Let me tell you, tracking the trajectory of a professional athlete’s career is often a study in both dazzling statistics and quiet, almost invisible, personal mantras. When I think about Ben Williams’ journey in football, that duality comes to mind. We all remember the highlights—those explosive plays that lit up social media feeds—but what about the private goals, the ones written on a bathroom mirror or whispered during a grueling workout? It reminds me of a quote I once came across from another athlete, June Mar Fajardo, who famously said, “Yung grand slam, siyempre, ‘yun ang pinaka-goal namin. Nakasulat nga ‘yun sa salamin doon sa kuwarto ko: Win a grand slam. Pag nagpu-push up ako, ‘yun ‘yung tinitignan ko. ‘Yun ‘yung isa sa motivation ko.” That raw, visual, daily reminder of a pinnacle achievement is something I believe resonates with competitors like Ben Williams, even if their grand slam looks different. His career wasn’t about multiple championships in a single year, but about carving out a respectable, impactful presence in the demanding world of professional football, and frankly, I’ve always admired players who build a career on consistent effort rather than just fleeting moments of fame.

Ben Williams’ entry into the professional scene was marked by a solid, if not immediately headline-grabbing, collegiate career at the University of Illinois. Drafted in the 5th round, 147th overall, by the Tennessee Titans in the 2016 NFL Draft, he entered the league with the classic profile of a high-motor defensive end. His rookie stats were modest—recording 22 combined tackles and 1.5 sacks in 14 games—but those numbers don’t tell the whole story. From my perspective, watching his tape from that first year, you could see the foundational work ethic. He wasn’t a freakish athlete dominating purely on physical talent; he was a technician, refining his hand placement and studying offensive line tendencies. It was the kind of grunt work that often goes unnoticed by fans but is absolutely cherished by coaches and film analysts. He was laying down the bricks, one practice, one snap at a time, much like Fajardo staring at his “grand slam” note during push-ups. Williams’ goal was likely more immediate: to earn a permanent spot, to contribute, to prove he belonged. And by his second season, he did just that, starting in 9 games and notching a career-high 4.5 sacks and 38 tackles. That, to me, was his first real professional milestone.

The peak of his on-field production arguably came during the 2019 season. Integrated into a more aggressive defensive scheme, Williams seemed to find another gear. He played in all 16 games, starting 12, and put up what would stand as his most complete stat line: 51 total tackles, 6.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and even an interception he returned for 17 yards. I distinctly remember a Thursday night game that season where he was absolutely relentless, harassing the quarterback on nearly every passing down. It was the culmination of all that technical work. He wasn’t just trying hard; he was winning his matchups with savvy and preparation. For a mid-round pick, establishing yourself as a reliable starter capable of a 6-sack season is a significant achievement. It’s the kind of career year that sets a player up for a substantial second contract. In the NFL’s economic ecosystem, Williams had positioned himself perfectly. He was no longer just a prospect; he was a proven commodity.

However, the narrative of a professional athlete rarely follows a straight line. After that strong 2019 campaign, Williams faced the adversary common to so many in the sport: injuries. A nagging knee issue limited him to just 7 games in 2020, where he managed only 11 tackles and half a sack. It was a brutal setback. The following year, 2021, he signed a one-year “prove-it” deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, hoping to re-establish his value. He appeared in 11 games, primarily in a rotational role, adding 15 tackles and 1.0 sack. But the explosive, every-down player from 2019 seemed, at least temporarily, diminished. This is the part of the career arc that fascinates me the most—the fight to come back. It’s easy to be motivated when you’re chasing a starting job or a big contract. The real test is finding that motivation during rehab, when the only thing written on your mirror is a physical therapy schedule. That’s where the true, deep-seated love for the game and personal pride have to take over.

So, where is Ben Williams now? As of the 2023 season, he is not on an active NFL roster. After his stint with the Raiders, he had brief workouts with a couple of teams but did not secure a contract for the 2022 season. This transition out of the league is a reality for the vast majority of players. But in my view, to say his career is “over” feels incomplete. The last public reporting indicated that Williams had returned to the University of Illinois to complete his degree, a move I have immense respect for. He’s also been involved in coaching clinics and has expressed interest in staying connected to football, perhaps in a coaching or developmental capacity. It’s a quieter chapter, but not an insignificant one. He’s applying the same discipline he used on the field to a new phase of life. The grand slam he was chasing may have been an NFL championship, but winning in life after football is its own kind of victory. The stats—his 183 career tackles, 13.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles over 6 seasons—tell a story of durability and contribution. But the fuller story is about the journey from a 5th-round pick to a starter, through injury and adaptation, and into a thoughtful post-playing career. Ben Williams’ football career, in the end, reflects the path of most professionals: marked by tangible numbers, unforgettable highlights for those who followed his team closely, and a legacy of perseverance that ultimately defines where he is now—building his next play, off the field.