One notable member of the NFC North has switched sides.
RB Jamaal Williams, who spent the first four years of his career with the Green Bay Packers, signed a free-agent deal with the Detroit Lions last week and becoming one of the latest editions for new Lions GM Brad Holmes.
He met virtually with media members for the first time since joining the Motor City, and he immediately started with something that had everyone smiling.
Jamaal Williams opened his first Detroit media session by grading reporters' facial hair and just called @MikeOHaraNFL "silver fox" so I say retire his jersey.
— Chris Burke (@ChrisBurkeNFL) March 22, 2021
“I was trying to find a place that was going to use me and let me be able to show my abilities, come in and help the team out the way I know how,” he said. “Playing hard with effort and being a team player, being an energetic person. I wanted to go where it would fit me, and Detroit was the place that fit me.”
“You let me go to work, good things happen. I’m a real workhorse.”
When players carve out the first portions of their careers with one team, it’s understandable for emotional attachments to form. Williams admitted he wanted to stay in Green Bay and didn’t like their initial decision to let him walk.
“I was just all-in for Green Bay,” he said. “I wanted to stay there. But I already think of myself as my own main character in my own anime show…and I’m hitting another chapter. The chapter of the Lions, baby.”
What is it that he’s going to bring to his new team besides his work ethic?
“Shoot, I can block,” he said. “I’m gonna protect the quarterback, that’s what I’m made for. That’s my best friend, he’s right next to me, I gotta make sure he’s good.”
Williams comes to Detroit after having been drafted by the Packers in the fourth round with the 134th overall pick in 2017. In 60 career games, he’s racked up 1,985 rushing yards, 961 receiving yards, and 18 career touchdowns.
– – Quotes via Detroit Lions Link – –
