Milton Williams hasn’t been in New England for long, but that hasn’t stopped him from stepping up in a leadership role.
The 26-year-old came to the Patriots with a massive new contract. The defensive tackle didn’t waste any time proving himself to his teammates. Early this offseason, Williams started to compete with Christian Barmore to see who would get to the facility first.
The two defensive tackles compete to get to the weight room and meeting room before one another. As OTAs started, Williams also stepped up on the field.
Entering his fifth season, he’s relished an opportunity to be a leader with the Patriots.
“I’m good. Comfortable knowing I have to come out here and set the tone. Guys are going to follow me,” Williams said. “I’ll take that responsibility to make sure we’re coming out here and getting our jobs done.”
Williams knows how to lead thanks to his time in Philadelphia.
A third-round pick in 2021, Williams joined a veteran-laden Eagles team where he learned from one of the best in Brandon Graham.
This offseason, Graham retired from football after 15 seasons. The 36-year-old played in 206 NFL games. He appeared in more games and played in more seasons than any Eagles player in franchise history. A two-time Super Bowl champion and captain, Graham took Williams under his wing over the last four seasons.
This offseason, Williams said that’s who he learned leadership from.
“BG – Brandon Graham. He was a big leader there,” Williams said. “He was one of the oldest guys on the team. You could see he was practicing the hardest every day we went out there. Just watching him, (he) gave me pointers on how to take care of my body, what to look at when I’m rushing, getting in shape, and go out there and practice hard. Make sure you’re busting your tail whenever it’s your time, so once you get to the game, it’ll be easy for you.”
In a season where Mike Vrabel is trying to change the Patriots culture, Williams is a big part of that.
This offseason, Williams signed a 4-year, $104 million contract with the Patriots. The average annual salary of $26 million makes him the highest-paid player in team history. Once he arrived in Foxborough, the defensive tackle took it upon himself to step up and help his teammates.
“I’m not really too vocal. I help guys – if they have questions. Try to be first in the line,” Williams said. “Whatever drill we’re doing, make sure we’re doing it right, so the young guys see us. If they make a mistake, pull them to the side. Let them see you go first and try to correct them off that.”