Doug Williams (NFL) newest HBCU Connect member!
|
Posted By: Mercy C. on November 30, 2005 To visit Doug's profile/guestbook, click here: http://hbcuconnect.com/alumnidb/cgi-bin/se... Doug Williams was the first black quarterback in the NFL in the early 80s, the first quarterback from an HBCU and one of the newest members to the HBCUConnect family. Williams shares his thoughts and knowledge from sports to school…to you. How did you find HBCUConnect.com? “I don’t even know what I was doing. It was HBCU so it caught my attention…I don’t even remember.” A graduate from Grambling State University, Williams played football his whole school career, majoring in health and physical education. About Grambling, Williams said, “I had a great time in college, best time of my life.” He played football since 8th grade, along with baseball and basketball. Why did you choose Grambling? “Back then your choices were slim anyway, I grew up knowing Grambling.” What did you get from going to an HBCU? “I came out of [high] school in the early 70s and integration was just coming up. [I wanted] to have a good college life, to get an education and meet people.” How did you feel being described as the black quarterback? “That was all true; you can’t get around the truth, that’s what I always would’ve been. I knew exactly who I was and what I was.” How did you feel being a ‘first’ back in 1988? “I don’t even feel anymore, it was a game for me, it was work. It was 18 years ago; I’m not one to get hyped about a lot of stuff.” How has football changed your life? “My life is the same; you don’t let football change your life because you can’t do it forever.” Williams stopped playing football in 1989 because “you can’t play it for a lifetime,” he said. In 1988, Williams led the Washington Redskins to victory in the Super Bowl XXII, which made him MVP. What obstacles did you face in your career? “The defensive players.” (LOL) What do you do now? “I work for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the front office. I do a lot of different things, personnel, athletes, finding players.” Do you give a lot of opportunities to HBCU students? “The league is about whether or not they can play. It’s all about ability; it doesn’t matter where they come from.” How is college football different from the NFL? “It’s all about who you work for, in college its different cause it’s more fun. You don’t have a choice to work for who you want to work for [in the NFL].” Do you think football has changed in the past few years? “The game hasn’t changed, its more money involved in it than there used to be. It’s a lot tougher; you gotta be prepared year round.” What advice do you have for HBCU students trying to make it to the NFL? 1- “The worst thing a kid could do is say “I’m going to be a football player”…you have to go to school and get a degree. You don’t control whether or not you get a chance to play pro football.” 2- “People make decisions on whether or not you’re good enough to play for them.” 3- “It’s something you gotta be real about, at the end of day you have to say am I talented enough to play?” 4- “First and foremost get your degree, and let the chips fall where they fall…” Where do you see yourself in the future? “I’m in the future now.” Williams is 50 years old and a native of Louisiana, right outside of Baton Rouge. He currently lives in Tampa, Florida working for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Williams has played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1978-82, he also played for the US Football League (Oklahoma) and he later joined the Washington Redskins in 1986. Before coaching the Grambling Tigers, Williams was a head coach at Morehouse. He also worked as a scout for the Jacksonville Jaguars. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
Comments
 |
supp gee.... keep doing, doing what u do best >> www.georgesimons.ws Thursday, December 1st 2005 at 9:39PM |
|
I think there is an error here. Doug Williams was not the first Black NFL quarterback. He is perhaps the best known. James Harris from Grambling was. He broke in with Buffalo and also played with San Diego. Saturday, December 3rd 2005 at 12:29AM |
 |
Mr. Williams, my mother, Loretha Bradley went to GSU with you back in the day. She has funny memories of her times in undergrad. She even told me about this funny nickname you had back then... I wont mention it though. Very impressive record in the league and the game. Way to represent and great words of wisdom. Saturday, December 3rd 2005 at 2:02AM |
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
JCSU Unique Courses “ LACTATION CONSULTANT TRAINING PROGRAM (CERTIFICATE)”The LCTP is a comprehensive, CAAHEP accredited Pathway 2 training program administered through the College of Business and Professional Studies Health and Human Performance Department at Johnson C. Sm ...more
How May I Help You NC • 52 Views • January 29th, 2026 |
 |
Nation’s Oldest HBCU Football Rivalry Returns in 2026 with 102nd Turkey Day ClassicThe nation’s oldest HBCU football rivalry will return to the field in November 2026 as Alabama State University and Tuskegee University face off in the 102nd Turkey Day Classic. The historic Thanksgiv ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 102 Views • January 28th, 2026 |
 |
🔋🪫🔋🪫🔋🔋🔋Gifts to recharge my BatteryREADY TO EXPERIENCE A MAYWEATHER WORKOUT? TRY IT FOR FREE
Some time is all that’s needed to get on the MAYWEATHER Fitness Treadmill
Have fun meet new friends get close to perfection https://may ...more
How May I Help You NC • 79 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Enjoy over 5,000 Free E-Cards!In HBCU communities, connection matters, and small gestures go a long way. That's why I offer 5,000 free eCards to help you stay connected and celebrate moments like thank yous, birthdays, and graduat ...more
Shykeria Lifleur • 73 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Get Patreon for World Cup DiscussionChannel: https://www.patreon.com/cw/rtwcmod ...more
How May I Help You NC • 66 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,795,030 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,072 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 74,319 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,363 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
