The San Francisco 49ers learned of some devastating news over the weekend that has shook their entire family. A former starter and beloved teammate has passed away. It total he appeared in 68 NFL games and his presence was felt each and every day on the sidelines.
Here are the heartbreaking details.
Dec 10, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; A San Francisco 49ers helmet sits on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; A San Francisco 49ers helmet sits on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Former 49ers’ Defensive Back Dies
Gerard Williams, a defensive back who played five season in the NFL has passed away at the age of 73. The death was first announced on social media and has since gone viral throughout 49ers nation.
His 68 game NFL career (31 starts) was spent with three teams: the Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers, and St. Louis Cardinals. He started his football career playing at Langston University where he played both cornerback and wide receiver. There he set a school record for 204 interception return yards in one season. That included a 100-yard pick six. He was honored as an all-conference defensive back for the Red River Conference.
He was inducted into the Langston Hall of Fame in 2014.
However, the NFL wasn’t the only professional sports league he played in:
Williams’ path to the NFL included a stop in the World Football League, where he spent two seasons with Birmingham after signing with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent in 1974 and failing to make head coach Tom Landry’s roster.
In Birmingham, Williams intercepted seven passes in 18 games. As a rookie, he led the WFL with two interception returns for touchdowns. Williams returned for a second season in 1975 after his tryout with the Rams did not lead to a regular-season appearance in Los Angeles.
When the WFL folded, Williams joined Washington in 1976. He played all 14 games that season, contributing primarily on special teams while serving as a reserve at both cornerback spots.
Gerard Williams’ Final Career Stats
Washington Redskins head coach Jack Pardee (far right) with linebacker Chris Hanburger (55), running back Ike Forte (30), guard Ron Saul (64), defensive back Gerard Williams (45), defensive tackle Dave Butz (65), running back Mike Thomas (22), and running back Tony Green (34). (Photo by Nate Fine/Getty Images)
Washington Redskins head coach Jack Pardee (far right) with linebacker Chris Hanburger (55), running back Ike Forte (30), guard Ron Saul (64), defensive back Gerard Williams (45), defensive tackle Dave Butz (65), running back Mike Thomas (22), and running back Tony Green (34). (Photo by Nate Fine/Getty Images)
Williams finished his career with:
68 games (31 career starts)
13 interceptions
142 interception return yards
2 forced fumbles
7 fumble recoveries
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Williams family during this incredibly hard time.
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