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Following the Lions’ stunning victory over the Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday at the conclusion of the NFL regular season, running back Jamaal Williams ended the evening with a memorable interview following Detroit’s 20-16 victory.
Williams, who spent his first four seasons at Green Bay, returned to his former home ground to help the Lions take down their NFC North rival and prevent Aaron Rodgers & Company from returning to the postseason. Williams sealed the massive win with a two touchdown performance to break Barry Sanders’ Hall of Fame franchise record (16) for most points in a season; the sixth pro crossed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career.
After the game, an emotional Williams spoke with NBC journalist Melissa Stark and dedicated his big day to his 92-year-old great-grandfather, who recently passed away.
“I just dedicate it to him,” Williams told Stark with tears in his eyes. “I’m just proud, I’m just grateful to be able to do it for him… I’m just grateful that he’s in my life and I’m grateful to be able to play football and do it for him.”
As Williams tried his best to regain his composure, the 27-year-old quickly flipped the switch back to beast mode and wiped away his tears to send a message to everyone who doubted Detroit would go into the matchup. On Sunday night, the entire NBC crew, minus Tony Dungy, especially anticipated The Packers defeated the Lions in a pregame show.
“And one more thing, stop toying with us man,” Williams continued. “We the Detroit Lions, we the Detroit Lions have stopped playing with each other and I don’t even watch TV, but I heard everyone already picked the Packers over us. Stop playing with us, that’s all I have to say, man. Don’t let those tears fool you, it’s all about this cup. I am good.”
While Williams seemed reluctant to share his emotions further, it is unlikely that anyone would dare to challenge his toughness, especially after a year in his career.
Against Green Bay, Williams recorded 16 carries for 72 yards and two tank destroyers, his sixth multi-destroyer game of the season. Both of his scores came from one-yard drops, with the first in the third quarter giving the Lions a 13-9 lead. But it was Williams’ second score that ultimately proved to be the difference as he found the end zone at 5:55 to play in the fourth quarter, giving Detroit a decisive advantage.
Williams finished his second season with the Lions with a career-high 262 carries, 1,066 rushing yards, and 17 touchdowns. Despite missing the playoffs for the sixth straight year, the 2022 campaign marks the Lions’ first winning season (9-8) since 2017.
