Fayetteville State Standout Brings HBCU Legacy to Tennessee Titans

The journey of former Fayetteville State University standout Joshua Williams has led him to a new opportunity in the NFL. The two-time Super Bowl champion has agreed to a two-year contract with the Tennessee Titans, giving the former CIAA star a new home in NFL free agency after four successful seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Williams, who reportedly signed a $10 million, two-year deal that includes approximately $2.5 million in guaranteed money, will look to make an immediate impact as the Titans begin reshaping their secondary that struggled in 2025. The signing also reunites Williams with Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi, who was part of the Chiefs' front office that drafted the cornerback in 2022.

From Fayetteville to CIAA Stardom

Williams' football journey began in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he attended Jack Britt High School. Originally a wide receiver, Williams transitioned to defensive back late in his high school career while also establishing himself as a standout track athlete, setting the school record in the 100-meter dash.

After spending a postgraduate year at Palmetto Prep Academy, Williams landed at Fayetteville State University, where he quickly developed into one of the most dynamic defensive backs in the CIAA. Over three seasons with the Broncos between 2018 and 2021, Williams recorded 79 tackles, 21 pass breakups, and five interceptions, including a pick-six. His breakout senior campaign earned him First-Team All-CIAA honors and BOXTOROW HBCU All-American recognition.

From CIAA Prospect to NFL Draft Pick

Williams' rise culminated in the 2022 NFL Draft, when the Chiefs selected him in the fourth round with the 135th overall pick.

"Joshua Williams' journey from a lightly recruited high school athlete to a Division II HBCU standout and now a two-time Super Bowl champion represents the incredible potential of HBCU football players to reach the highest levels of the NFL."

Super Bowl Success in Kansas City

During his four seasons with the Chiefs, Joshua Williams appeared in 65 regular-season games and 10 postseason games, contributing to multiple deep playoff runs. His most memorable moment came during the 2022 AFC Championship Game, when he intercepted a pass from Joe Burrow in the fourth quarter to help seal Kansas City's victory. The Chiefs went on to win two Super Bowl titles during Williams' first two seasons, giving the former CIAA star championship success early in his NFL career.

Over four seasons in Kansas City, Williams recorded 92 tackles, 18 passes defended, and one interception while starting 12 games. His role evolved over time, transitioning into a key special teams contributor during the 2025 season.

Titans Offer New Opportunity

Williams now heads to Tennessee looking for a larger defensive role. The Tennessee Titans added him as part of an aggressive first day of free agency that also included the signings of cornerbacks Alontae Taylor and Cor’Dale Flott. At 6-foot-3 and nearly 200 pounds, Williams brings rare size and length to the position, which is considered an ideal fit for defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and the Titans' defensive scheme.

After seeing his defensive snaps drop late in his tenure with the Chiefs, Joshua Williams is expected to compete for a significant role in Tennessee's revamped secondary, providing the Titans with another talented HBCU product to bolster their defensive backfield.

HBCUConnect's Perspective: Joshua Williams' journey from Fayetteville State to the NFL, including his two Super Bowl championships with the Kansas City Chiefs, is a testament to the incredible talent and potential that exists within the HBCU football community. His signing with the Tennessee Titans represents another opportunity for an HBCU star to make an impact at the highest level of the sport, and his success will undoubtedly inspire future generations of HBCU athletes to pursue their dreams of playing in the NFL. The HBCU community is proud to see one of its own, a former CIAA standout, continue to thrive in the professional ranks.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.