Why Jaguars Cornerback Darious Williams Aspires To Be a GM After Retirement
Brett Hawn
Though the job is not finished for Darious Williams on the playing field, the veteran corner is already looking ahead to the next step in his professional journey.
Williams is currently participating in the NCAA/NFL Coaches Academy, a program designed to provide current, full-time college football coaches at NCAA member schools an educational opportunity to build connections and develop leadership acumen to pursue their career aspirations per the NCAA’s official website.
While the veteran corner may be partaking in an event geared toward coaching, his focus instead lies elsewhere; becoming an NFL general manager.
In a video published by the NCAA, Williams explains why he aspires to become a general manager in the future.
NCAA/NFL Coaches Academy participant and current @Jaguars player Darious Williams (@Dee_Willl2) shares his aspirations to become a general manager after he completes his @NFL career.#NCAALearnLead pic.twitter.com/RQ0oN8Eyze
— NCAA (@NCAA) February 23, 2023
“I want to be a GM, one because I feel like I just know talent, in general,” Williams said. “And knowing talent, I know a lot of kids who are overlooked. I was undrafted. Could I always see myself playing in the NFL? Yeah, absolutely. But I’ve also had good, talented teammates and friends that I grew up with who obviously didn’t get that shot because they were overlooked.
“Even if you look at Patrick Mahomes. He was a two-star, three-star athlete and now he’s in the greatest position to be one of the greatest players ever. So it’s stuff like that and just being able to take risks on players like that.”
When thinking of players who made the transition to general manager the two names that often come to mind are former Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome, and current Broncos President of Football Operations John Elway, who served as the general manager in Denver from 2011-2020.
Williams looks to follow in their footsteps and transition from the playing field to the front office. While Williams is set to turn 30 in March and has more playing years ahead, it is never too early to think about the next step.
If all goes according to plan for Williams, that next step will be right into the general manager's office, where he’ll have a chance to make an impact on the game of football beyond the hash marks.