Jimmy Ray Williams Jr., a former NFL cornerback who played for the Seahawks, 49ers, Bills, and Texans, passed away on Friday, July 8, 2023, at the age of 43. He was a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and had been serving as an assistant football coach and teacher at the Episcopal High School. His death shocked the football world and left many fans and colleagues in grief.
A Sudden Illness
The exact cause of Williams’ death has not been revealed by his family and friends yet. However, according to The Advocate in Baton Rouge, he had been struggling with a serious illness recently. He was not critical before and died suddenly after being rushed to the local hospital where the doctors declared him dead. His funeral will take place on Saturday in Baton Rouge.
A Stellar Career
Williams was one of the best football players in Vanderbilt history and was also named as one of the 100 best Commodore players in the past 100 years. He began his college career as a running back, where he led the team in rushing yards, return yards, receptions, and touchdowns, landing him on the Freshman All-SEC team. He then switched to cornerback and earned All-SEC honors for three straight years. He is one of only three players in Vanderbilt history to return both a punt and kickoff for a touchdown.
Williams was drafted in the 2001 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills with the 33rd pick of the sixth round. He signed with the San Francisco 49ers, where he served as a punt returner and cornerback through the 2004 season. He then played for the Seattle Seahawks, which included his first Super Bowl appearance in 2005 as his Seahawks lost to the Steelers. He also played for the Houston Texans in 2008 before becoming a free agent.
In his NFL career, Williams played 80 games and recorded 151 tackles, six fumble recoveries, three interceptions, one sack, and one touchdown. He also returned 1,847 yards on punts and kickoffs. He was honored as an SEC Football Legend in 2013.
A Life Well Lived
Williams returned to Baton Rouge to give back to his school, Episcopal High School, where he coached the middle school team until 2010. Williams served as the assistant athletic director, in addition to defensive coordinator at Episcopal High School. He was also a devoted husband to his wife Chandra and a loving father to his children.
Williams was remembered by his former teams and colleagues as a great player and a great person. The Seahawks tweeted: “The Seahawks are devastated by the loss of former Special Teams Captain Jimmy Williams. Williams played two seasons for the Seahawks and was a member of Seattle’s Super Bowl XL team. We send our deepest condolences to the entire Williams family.” The 49ers also tweeted: “The 49ers mourn the passing of alumni Jimmy Williams. Our organization sends its condolences to his wife, Chandra, and the entire Williams family.”
A Facebook group called “Jimmy Ray Williams Jr. Legacy” was created to celebrate his life and legacy. The group description reads: “Remembering a life well lived. This group celebrates the life and legacy of Jimmy Ray Williams Jr. Include the hashtag #JyammIAM to your social media tributes to Jimmy.” Many people have shared their memories and photos of Williams on the group.
Jimmy Ray Williams Jr. was a talented athlete, a respected coach, a beloved teacher, a loyal friend, a caring husband, and a proud father. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and admired him. May he rest in peace.
