Gerard Williams (American football)

Gerard Anthony Williams (born May 25, 1952) is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers, and St. Louis Cardinals. He also was a member of the Birmingham Americans and Birmingham Vulcans in the World Football League (WFL). He played college football at Langston University.

Gerard Williams
No. 30, 33, 45, 29
Position:Cornerback
Personal information
Born: (1952-05-25) May 25, 1952 (age 72)
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:184 lb (83 kg)
Career information
College:Langston
Undrafted:1976
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Interceptions:13
Fumble recoveries:7
Total TDs:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early years

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Williams attended Northeast High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He accepted a football scholarship from Langston University.

In 2014, he was inducted into the Langston University Athletic Hall of Fame.[1]

Professional career

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Dallas Cowboys

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Williams was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 1974 NFL draft. He was released before the start of the season.

Birmingham Americans (WFL)

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On September 17, 1974, he signed as a free agent with the Birmingham Americans of the World Football League.[2] He was named the starter at right cornerback and had 4 interceptions.

In 1975, the Americans suffered a financial crisis and were replaced by the Birmingham Vulcans. Williams played in 9 games and had 3 interceptions before the league folded.

Los Angeles Rams

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In 1975, he signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Rams. He was released on August 11.[3]

Washington Redskins

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On April 6, 1976, he was signed as a free agent by the Washington Redskins.[4] He was a backup at left corenerback behind Pat Fischer. In 1977, he became a starter after Fischer suffered a pinched back nerve.[5] He started 11 games and posted 4 interceptions.

In 1978, he was passed on the depth chart by Lemar Parrish. Williams regained his starting position after Parrish was lost for the season with a fractured forearm, finishing with 5 starts and 4 interceptions.[6] He was released on August 27, 1979.[7]

San Francisco 49ers

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On September 6, 1979, he signed as a free agent with the San Francisco 49ers.[8] He started 14 games at right cornerback and registered 4 interceptions. He was released on September 1, 1980.[9]

St. Louis Cardinals

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On October 22, 1980, he was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals.[10] He was waived on November 19.[11]

San Francisco 49ers

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On November 20, 1980, he was re-signed by the San Francisco 49ers.[12] He was released on May 14, 1981.[13]

References

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  1. ^ "Langston University Players Inducted Into Hall of Fame". Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  2. ^ "Four Players Cut". Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  3. ^ "Pro football transactions". Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  4. ^ "Transactions". Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  5. ^ "Allen Leads Old Men Onto Battlefield". Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  6. ^ "Saturday Scouting Report". Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  7. ^ "Transactions". Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  8. ^ "Williams Joins 49ers". Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  9. ^ "Transactions". Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  10. ^ "Defensive Troubles Still Plague 49ers". Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  11. ^ "Pair released by Big Red". Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  12. ^ "Transactions". Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  13. ^ "49ers Sign Two DBs, Waive Another Corner". Retrieved December 1, 2019.
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