Former Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams left for the Dallas Cowboys last spring as a free agent.
Most of Broncos Country barely blinked at the move.
Williams had a great rookie year in Denver in 2021, but shredded his knee early during the 2022 season. He never really looked the same.
Last year, Williams rushed for only 513 yards and four touchdowns. It was time for a change, with Broncos head coach Sean Payton and GM George Paton letting Williams walk, then drafting RJ Harvey in the second-round and signing J.K. Dobbins in free agency.
But during the NFL opener last night, with the Cowboys taking on the Philadelphia Eagles, Javonte Williams briefly set social media ablaze.
He scored two touchdowns for Dallas fewer than 16 minutes into the game. Some of the stats that brought out were a little crazy compared to his time with the Broncos.
Javonte Williams with as many touchdowns in his first 16 minutes as a Cowboy as he had in his final 11 games (including postseason) as a Bronco.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) September 5, 2025
Javonte Williams had one multi-rushing TD game in 54 career appearances for the #Broncos.
He’s got two in less than a half tonight in his Dallas debut.
pic.twitter.com/IT5V3DQDjZ
— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) September 5, 2025
Denver Sports senior Broncos writer Andrew Mason and The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel point out a pair of interesting things.
First, Javonte Williams really struggled with the Broncos down the stretch. And second, even for his greatness as a rookie in which Williams averaged 4.4 yards per carry, he wasn’t exactly finding the end zone. He only had a one multi-touchdown game.
In fact, in 54 career contests with the Broncos, Williams scored just 11 rushing touchdowns.
On the night for the Cowboys, Williams finished with 15 carries for 54 yards and the two scores. Dallas lost to Philly by a final of 24-20, but they were largely passing in the second half while trailing the entire time.
At the end of the day, good for Javonte Williams. The tenure in Denver had run its course, but if he has a second act with the Cowboys and Harvey and Dobbins work out here, it will be a win for all involved.