CityView Magazine

CityViewNC.com | 15 Wanting to continue his football career but receiving limited offers to play in college, Williams considered joining the Army aer graduation. Instead, he enrolled at Palmetto Preparatory Academy in Columbia, South Carolina. Aer a successful semester in football there, Williams was recruited to play for his hometown Broncos. A two-year starter — FSU did not play a 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic — Williams made 65 tackles and had five interceptions while helping the Broncos to a 16-5 record. It is rare that football players from Fayetteville State's NCAA Division II level get a chance at playing in the NFL, much less get draed. But aer being the only Division II player invited to the prestigious Senior Bowl All-Star game and impressing scouts at the NFL Dra Combine, Williams proved himself worthy of a dra spot. "Believe it or not — you ask anybody I grew up with — I was always saying I was going to end up here (in the NFL)," Williams said during an interview at the NFL Combine posted on YouTube by VMH. Now, Williams is setting his sights on cracking the depth chart in Kansas City. e Chiefs lost cornerbacks Mike Hughes and Charvarius Ward to free agency in the offseason, so helping fill that void is Williams' focus. "I'm definitely prideful of where I came from, and I'm blessed to be where I am and to have experienced everything I have,"' Williams said during a video interview on the Chiefs' website posted during the most recent workouts. "But at the same time, I'm very humbled and eager to fit in here. It's all about results, and I'm kind of focusing on that and getting used to being a professional." Joshua Williams was the 135th pick overall and became the first Fayetteville State player chosen for the pros since running back James Godwin went to the New York Jets in the 16th round of the 1976 draft. Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 2706 Bragg Blvd. themillendstore.org 910-483-2375 Design Discover a world overflowing with inspiring textiles & trims, designer drapery hardware & exquisite wallpapers. Specializing in custom window treatments, pillows, table cloths, bedding & more Delight MILL END THE STORE E s t . 1 9 3 6 A F a y e t t e v i l l e T r a d i t i o n

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