Former 49ers, Seahawks CB Jimmy Williams dies at 43
Former San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jimmy Williams died on Friday at 43 years outdated.
The Baton Rouge Advocate reports that Williams died of an undisclosed sickness. His alma mater Vanderbilt declined to offer further particulars of his demise whereas citing his household’s needs, in accordance with the Nashville Tennesseean.
Williams starred as a defensive again and return specialist at Vanderbilt, the place he performed from 1997-2000. An All-SEC cornerback, Williams averaged 23 yards per return over 4 seasons as a kick returner. Per the Tennessean, he is certainly one of three gamers in class historical past to report each a punt and kick return for a landing. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt in 2001.
Vanderbilt soccer coach Clark Lea launched an announcement on Friday remembering Williams as a “true Vanderbilt legend” who “might be remembered for the vitality and spirit with which he crammed a room” and his “devotion” to “his lovely household.” He wrote that he had simply hosted Williams, his spouse Chandra and their son Ace at his dwelling on Wednesday.
The Buffalo Payments chosen Williams within the sixth spherical of the 2001 NFL draft. He ultimately joined the 49ers that season with out taking part in a down for the Payments. Williams performed 4 seasons in San Francisco as a return specialist and backup cornerback. He led the league among players who qualified with 16.8 yards per punt return in 2002.
The 49ers launched an announcement on Friday mourning Williams’ demise.
Williams joined the Seahawks in 2005 and performed his final two seasons in Seattle, the place he was a particular groups captain. He performed in Seattle’s Tremendous Bowl loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers after the 2005 season. The Seahawks additionally launched an announcement on Friday.
A Louisiana native, Williams returned to his hometown Baton Rouge with Chandra after retiring from the NFL. In 2004, he and Chandra began the Jimmy Williams Intercepting Our Youth Foundation that offered scholarships to native highschool college students, donated college provides and hosted summer season youth camps.
Williams most lately coached soccer, taught and served as assistant athletic director at his his highschool alma mater Episcopal Faculty of Baton Rouge. Episcopal launched an announcement and video honoring Williams on Friday.
It’s a troublesome day,” Episcopal athletic director Randy Richard informed the Advocate. “It’s such an enormous loss. He was a terrific colleague, a pal and a coach that the athletes right here cherished. He was at all times smiling.”
