Inside the Article:
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams is a simple man – when he’s not on the field, he likes nothing more than to relax at home and play Pokemon. But when he is on the field, he’s set out to prove that he’s not just a one-dimensional running back who can only be used in certain situations.
This season, he’s also been used more often by the Lions in the red zone. Heading into the season finale against the Green Bay Packers, his former team, Williams has the opportunity to achieve career milestones and a Lions team record.
He needs only six more yards to reach the 1,000-yard milestone for the first time in his career and just one touchdown to tie Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders for the Lions’ single-season mark of 16 total rushing touchdowns. When asked about the record, Williams was as entertaining as usual.
“That would make me a good running back, I guess?” Williams said. “I would just be grateful to be in that category with Barry. Barry’s a great running back, I be watching him on YouTube. Anybody that is in video games that is a legend — I’ve been playing NFL Street, and he’s in there. He’s a wizard. So I’m grateful to be in there with someone like that.”
Jamaal Williams Via MLIVE
Why it matters: Williams’ success this season has implications for both his career and the future of the Lions.
- If he reaches 1,000 yards and ties Sanders’ record, he will prove his value as a versatile player
- This will give the Lions a strong foundation for their rebuild
- Williams’ success could help to attract other talented players to the team
- His success this season has important implications for both his career and the future of the Lions.
Jamaal Williams By the Numbers
- Williams needs only six more yards to reach 1,000 for the first time in his career
- He needs only one touchdown to tie Barry Sanders’ record of 16 total rushing touchdowns in a single season
- Williams has had the best two seasons of his career since joining the Lions in 2021
The bottom line:
“We think extremely highly of him. He’s been consistent for us as a runner, and just really happy to see that run game pick up again last week. It was a lot easier as a play-caller to call that game. But, for him, there’s no doubt, I’m sure 1,000 (yards) means a lot. That’s certainly the most he’s had in his career, and then against his former team, I’m sure that would mean something to him. I think it’s really kudos to our offensive line, our receivers, our tight ends, they’re doing a nice job opening up running lanes for him. And, he’s taking advantage of it.”
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson
