Lions WR Jameson Williams' complicated path to NFL stardom

Why Jameson Williams' high school retirement was such a big deal (1:13)

Jameson Williams' father James talks about the importance of his son's high school and the meaning of his retired jersey number. (1:13)

Eric Woodyard (ESPN) October 9, 2024 11:00 AM

Eric Woodyard covers the Detroit Lions for ESPN. He joined ESPN in September 2019 as an NBA reporter dedicated to the Midwest region and transitioned to his current role in April 2021. He is based in Flint, Michigan, and covers Ethan's talent scouting show "All In: The Kelvin Torbert Story." He is also the father of a son, Ethan. You can follow him on Twitter: @e_woodyard

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St. Louis - "Ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja." That's the echo that echoes through the darkened gymnasium at Cardinal Ritter High School as Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams makes his entrance.

Dozens of cellphone flashlights light up the stands as a five-minute montage of Williams' football plays on the scoreboard.

Standing next to his closest family and friends, he smiles, reveling in the love of his country.

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A few minutes later, the lights came back on and attention turned to Williams at the gym's "Wall of Fame," where he cut the black cover to reveal the latest addition -- a banner with Williams on his No. 3 Ritter jersey, immortalized at the St. Louis school for life.

Watching the spectacle, Williams' father, James, quietly shed tears.

"People don't understand what we've been through here. It's been a long journey. This is crazy."

Williams has been nominated for the 12th place by Lions in the 2022 draft. In the rookie era, he missed 11 games due to knee failure, and in the second year he was suspended in four games. In addition, there are pros and cons of Lions fans, and there are voices who are doubtful about his maturity and commitment due to the comfort and name of the center in Detroit, and the presence or absence of holdouts. Some say that they are faithful to his roots. On the field, the play until this season was different from what he and Lions envisioned.

But Williams and Lions believe that the stage to break in 2024 is in place. The lessons learned from past failures, the preparation of the fulfilling of f-season, the unwavering beliefs for their abilities, and the willingness to be planted from childhood may have been consolidated in Williams.

Williams has achieved so far. At the end of the 4 games, the leading tie in the lions, the lions, the yard (11, 6) per target, the lions (11, 6) per target. 。 He is at his first 1, 000 yard pace, "It's just just started.

"Even in the past, it is necessary to look ahead and think better," said Williams. "I have hit a disability in NFL. NFL has hit a disability. I have seen it in the news.

"Friends will send me what everyone is saying, but I know what I can do in the field if I have a ball, my skills, and I know what will happen if I push my back. , I have never lost my belief. "

Jameson Williams's career in Detroit has started an unstable start, but in 2022 it has begun to emerge as a play maker that the draft lions were nominated in 12th place. Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images

In January 2022, Williams' father, James, sitting on a stand at Lucas Oil Arena in Indianapolis, was desperately called by his son.

"Williams told his father." Who?

The man was a famous orthopedic surgeon, Dr. James and Ryu. At that time, he had torn ACL on his left knee to Williams, who was an al l-American receiver at the time. It was the second quarter of the US Championship match with Georgia in 2021.

Despite the diagnosis, Williams begged for r e-entry.

"If you say that the doctor is no longer, no longer," James replied.

The highest peak of NFL

In the match, Alabama lost 33-18, and Williams's college life was over. After playing for two seasons at Ohio State University, he moved to Alabama University. In 2021, the Crimson Tide recorded 79 pass catches, 1. 572 yards, and 15 times of touchdown, and covered more than 50 yards out of TD receives.

Four months later, Lions exchanged 20 nominations in the 2022 draft, as the fourth wide receiver after Drake London (8th), Garrett Wilson (10th), and Chris Olave (11th). Williams was nominated 12th.

Due to the ACL damage, Williams had to miss the Lions of f-season schedule and the first eleven games of the 2022 rookie year. When I made my debut, I was weak. However, the only catch in the season-41 yard touchdown-showed a big play ability that attracted Detroit.

In April of the following year, I received another call under James. Williams violated the NFL's gambling policy, and has been suspended in six games since the opening of the 2023 season (reduced to four games later). He had a mobile bed in a no n-NFL game from the Lions facility. After that, I received a call to Williams.

Williams did not make an excuse for the ban on participation.

"I have to follow the rules, and that's the most important thing," said Williams after returning in 2023. "Once the rules are decided, you have to follow it. That's really it."

However, this ruling has decided to shake the half season for the second consecutive year, to start a professional career correctly and miss the opportunity to challenge the rise of Lions.

Williams called the suspension of participation "dark days" and rely on the inner ring to survive him. James, his mother Tiana, his high school coach Brandon Gregory, his uncle David Shanks, his brother Jaden, and a s o-called "Slim" encouraged him. When necessary, he gave strict love. Because of their support, Williams did not stop believing that he was destined to be on NFL's Stardom.

"I have never doubted myself. Everything is on myself." My whole family is relying on me. I can't afford to fall. I'm on my back. I have to find something. "

Williams, who returned from the fifth week, had a hard time finding a stable role in the Lions offense, which has five professional bowlers for the 12 wins and 5 loss seasons. Especially in the NFC championship game, which was defeated by San Francisco 49ers, he returned 42 yards punt and started his scoring, and showed two touchdowns. However, Williams, who played for two seasons in NFL, was not a player who was both himself and Lions. He participated in 18 games, 25 pass catches, 395 yards, and three touchdowns. In comparison, London, Wilson, Olave-draft receivers who were in front of him were recorded four times in the same period of 1, 000 yards, and no players were below 866 yards in one season. 。

"Not everyone walks on the same path. Everyone has entered the championship as a rookie, and already from the stripe," Some people take time, and it may be sparse for football. People are growing in football. However, it may be out of the field where football is shifting.

Williams defeated the left ACL in the match against Georgia in January 2022. From left: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports; Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SPORTS

In the opening game with Los Angeles Rams in 2024, Williams played the best play in young careers. In front of the US viewers of Sunday Knight Football, he succeeded in five of the nine targets and won 121 yards. < Span> "I have never doubted myself. Everything is on myself." My whole family rely on me. I can't afford to fall. On my back I have to find something. "

Williams, who returned from the fifth week, had a hard time finding a stable role in the Lions offense, which has five professional bowlers for the 12 wins and 5 loss seasons. Especially in the NFC championship game, which was defeated by San Francisco 49ers, he returned 42 yards punt and started his scoring, and showed two touchdowns. However, Williams, who played for two seasons in NFL, was not a player who was both himself and Lions. He participated in 18 games, 25 pass catches, 395 yards, and three touchdowns. In comparison, London, Wilson, Olave-draft receivers who were in front of him were recorded four times in the same period of 1, 000 yards, and no players were below 866 yards in one season. 。

"Not everyone walks on the same path. Everyone has entered the championship as a rookie, and already from the stripe," Some people take time, and it may be sparse for football. People are growing in football. However, it may be out of the field where football is shifting.

Williams defeated the left ACL in the match against Georgia in January 2022. From left: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports; Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SPORTS

In the opening game with Los Angeles Rams in 2024, Williams played the best play in young careers. In front of the US viewers of Sunday Knight Football, he succeeded in five of the nine targets and won 121 yards. "I have never doubted myself. Everything is on myself." My whole family is relying on me. I can't afford to fall. I'm on my back. I have to find something. "

Williams, who returned from the fifth week, had a hard time finding a stable role in the Lions offense, which has five professional bowlers for the 12 wins and 5 loss seasons. Especially in the NFC championship game, which was defeated by San Francisco 49ers, he returned 42 yards punt and started his scoring, and showed two touchdowns. However, Williams, who played for two seasons in NFL, was not a player who was both himself and Lions. He participated in 18 games, 25 pass catches, 395 yards, and three touchdowns. In comparison, London, Wilson, Olave-draft receivers who were in front of him were recorded four times in the same period of 1, 000 yards, and no players were below 866 yards in one season. 。

"Not everyone walks on the same path. Everyone has entered the championship as a rookie, and already from the stripe," Some people take time, and it may be sparse for football. People are growing in football. However, it may be out of the field where football is shifting.

Williams defeated the left ACL in the match against Georgia in January 2022. From left: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports; Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SPORTS

In the opening game with Los Angeles Rams in 2024, Williams played the best play in young careers. In front of the US viewers of Sunday Knight Football, he succeeded in five of the nine targets and won 121 yards.

A few hours after winning 26-20, photos of Williams began to become a social media. It was a photo of Detroit's si x-miles, Zorbaz Connie Island, alongside families and friends, including his younger brother. The time stamp in the photo was 3:00 am. Since joining the Lions, videos that have been fireworks at 1:15 am and videos in L. Geores Connie Island in W. McNiCols Road early in the morning.

When this image was r e-posted to X, there were more than 500. 000 views, and more than 100 comments were received, from support to concerns and criticism.

"What's the problem?" The negative person swears not to bully. "

Since he came to Detroit, Williams has led to criticisms from Lions fans and local media. In the 2023 Detroit Free Press column, it was compared to the former Lions's firs t-round receiver, Charles Rogers. Williams, which is unrelated to drugs and alcohol, does not care about criticism. He grew up in St. Louis and said that he was comfortable anywhere in Detroit, and encouraged the Lions teammates to show more presence in the city.

Williams distributed a $ 100 bill to children selling water on the street in Detroit's metro. Last year, the first free football camp was held at the East Side Chandler Park Academy, and during the rookie era, he offered a free thanksgiving meal to the Detroit Police Athletic League (Pal) family. He sometimes appears in pistons, Red Wings and Tigers games, and has a strong bond with Detroit's rap community, including rapper Baby Face Ray. In January 2024, he recorded a song "Waymo Freestyle" dedicated to Williams.

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According to Baby Face Ray, Williams became loved in the city-one of the reasons he was very kind and friendly. It was known that the photos after the match against Rams would be noticed.

"But you have to understand that when you grow up like that, it's natural. "Coney Island is just Coney Island to him, it's where the food is, and he's comfortable in that environment. "Coney Island is where he's from, so he's comfortable in that environment. I know bad things can happen there, but he's comfortable in that environment. It's no big deal. Williams calls the negative perception of his off-court activities a "misconception." I told some guys on the team, "If I do the little things that I do, like go out on the street and get seen by people, you guys won't know me. They think they don't know you, but they love football and they know who you are. They know football players. You get them hooked all day. You make them all day."

Gregory, who coached Williams at Cardinal Ritter, remains one of his mentors. He knows why the former star feels comfortable anywhere, but urged caution.

Following the NFL all season

"He wants to be with us, wherever we are," Gregory said. "But in retrospect, he can't be in a project with a Maserati."

Lions general manager Brad Holmes said: "There are legitimate concerns about a player who's coming out late. I know where he's coming from and I know why he's comfortable in any environment."

Those who grew up with Williams echo his sentiments, saying the experiences in St. Louis and Detroit are similar. "The difference between Detroit and St. Louis is the size. The difference between Detroit and St. Louis is the size, but the neighborhoods and the people are the same," says Caleb Helms, one of Williams' lifelong friends. "If Jamo wasn't born here and he was born in Detroit, you'd never know. All the rappers love him.

"He's different. He's different. This guy is the same guy I used to sleep on the floor in his crib. It's no different. He just made something happen. It's the greatest thing I've ever seen."

Williams decided to catch 52 yards in the opening game with Rams. From left: Cooper Neil / Getty Images Detroit Free Press = USA Today Sports

Williams grew up with three brothers on the south side of St. Louis. The family moved home, and when Williams was a teenager, he settled in a small house in a tw o-bedroom in Winnebago Street. The children were strictly monitored by their parents. The rules were strict. Williams was not allowed to have a mobile phone until he became a high school student. And James took it by car anywhere where the children need to go.

James and Tiana prepared all of them so that children could grow at the highest level while putting their feet on the ground. James and Tiana were both athletes at Samuna High School in St. Louis. Williams' older brother James Jr. and his sister Jeaners, respectively, ran at Northwest Missouri State University and Baptist University. Slim was playing safety at Wayne State University.

How to climb without a partner

This article introduces the top 10 ways to keep up Stoke High.

Do I need a partner for climbing?

If you can bring your friends, you will be able to be able to be wider when you come to play. This is because there are people who do a villain (having a rope), so you can climb the top rope route in addition to bouldering (solo). For beginners, you will be able to teach the villain for the first time and then climb all.

However, if you do not have a villain friend, or if you are busy and want to climb now, you need a little device.

1. Make a lap with an autocan

Imagine running in the gym treadmill.

An aut o-ladder is a mechanical device used for gym climbing, providing a descending descending by a climber without a human chart during rope climbing. Automatic spreadders are a great option, especially for solo climbers and climbers who want to practice climbing when there is no partner. Automatic Baileirers provide opportunities for independence, convenience, and challenges without relying on the bilay partner, and are suitable for all levels and schedule climbers.

Click here for the Torbue Auto Ranger technology.

2. Tred Blue for endurance and footwork

Crossing is a climbing technique that can make a huge difference in endurance competition. It's also great for improving your footwork and your climbing technique in general. Plus, it's great for people who aren't good with heights.

Rather than heading straight for a vertical wall, move horizontally. As long as you stay low, you'll be fine with your climbing shoes. It might be a little tricky when the wall with the ropes at the top is crowded. Start at the edge of the gym and challenge yourself to see how far you can climb before you go home.

3. Get stronger with a Kilterboard or Moonboard session

Kilterboard and Moonboard are the gamification of climbing. Just download the app, choose the climb you want to climb, and the handholds in front of you will light up. Climbers from all over the world can share their problems and you can even create your own problems.

By rearranging and adapting the grid-like arrangement of the handles, you can solve an infinite number of boulder problems. It's like having a climbing puzzle that is constantly changing and adapting to your skill level.

For solo climbers, Kilterboard and Moonboard are like a dream come true. Climb Fit St Leonards has a Moonboard. You can download the Moonboard app here. Climb Fit Kirrawee has a 12 x 12 Kilterboard. Climb Fit Macquarie has a fully adjustable 12 x 12 Kilterboard. Download the Kilterboard app here.

4. Jump on the bouldering wall

Bouldering is the practice of climbing short routes or "problems" on a wall, usually 3-5 metres high, without ropes or harnesses. There are mats underneath, so it's safe and suitable for climbers of all levels.

If you're looking to make new friends, the bouldering area of ​​the gym is always a buzzing hub of camaraderie and support. Even if you come alone, you'll find yourself swapping tips with five of your buddies, sharing bettas and other climbers. There's something special about the bouldering community that makes everyone feel like family.

Bring your climbing shoes and chalk, and staff will teach you basic safety precautions even if it's your first time.

If you want to go deeper, there is a ton of material available online. Our "Bouldering for beginners" video on YouTube has been viewed over 300, 000 times. Also, check out our other bouldering blogs, including how to climb ledges, overcome your fears, and build your confidence in bouldering.

5. Go to the gym

Our gym stands out from other climbing facilities. It's not just a climbing gym.

Strength and conditioning training can significantly improve your climbing performance by building core strength, finger strength, and endurance. Cardio-based sessions help improve endurance, cardiovascular health, and energy levels. Adding in a mobility and flexibility component, like a yoga class or spending time on a foam roller, can significantly improve your wall movement and help reduce the chances of injury.

If you're not confident enough to create your own workout or need some extra motivation, try joining a fitness class.

6. Workout on a Hang Table

Hangboards are a secret weapon for climbers looking to improve their climbing. If you've been climbing for a few months, this might be the time to step up. It's like a dedicated gym for your fingers, wrists, and forearms. Hanging from your small limbs or holding the frame for short periods of time builds finger strength and grip. This type of training is intense, but incredibly effective for intermediate to advanced climbers.

Don't be fooled. Even a short board session is a big workout in relation to the size of the muscles you're training, especially your arms, wrists, and forearms, and the complexity of the connective tissue that supports them.

Here's a mantra to keep in mind:

"Do the minimum amount of training necessary to stimulate adaptations that will make you stronger.

In other words, don't overdo it.

If you're new to hangboarding, read this.

If you want to dig deeper into the science, check out this article.

7. Book a private session or clinic

For climbers looking to improve their climbing skills, booking a private session or joining a team clinic can be a game changer.

All private coaching sessions are for you. The climbing coach will evaluate your strengths, find improvements, and create a customized training plan to achieve climbing goals. Recommended for those who want to hurry up. See the private coaching page.

The group session is perfect for solo climbers who want to interact with other climbers in a fun and dynamic environment and learn new skills. Various classes are available, from the basics to the climbing lead. Check out what is being held at a nearby store.

8. Participate in social nights

Ladies Social Night.

6:30 pm on Wednesday night.

Climmed with Kirrawee

Meet other girls who are climbing in recreation, and make a social (and sweaty) correction with fun climbing only for women. No reservation required, please drop in the front desk.

See the event information for other social nights.

Men's exchange meeting

Climbing Fit Kirawee Limited

Tuesday night, 6:30 pm.

In the same way, we get to know children who like climbing. A chance to connect with other dads, siblings, sons, and friends. Share the beta, hints, and life and make new friends. No reservation required.

9. Add a name to the climbing partner list

Add a name to the climbing partner list. This is listed on the precautionary board of each climbing adaptation site.