EXCLUSIVE: After scoring his first receiving touchdown, Isaiah Williams told The Mirror U.S. about his journey from quarterback prospect to special teams weapon and starting NFL WR
Isaiah Williams has become a threat on both offense and special teams over the last year
Isaiah Williams has become a threat on both offense and special teams over the last year(Image: Getty Images)
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They say God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers. For Isaiah Williams, his journey to a first touchdown was long and winding.
In the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears, with the New York Jets needing a spark, Williams ran a post route downfield, knowing the ball was unlikely to come his way. Lo and behold, Geno Smith rifled a deep ball to the streaking Williams, who hauled in the pass and scored a 58-yard touchdown.
It was his first touchdown in the NFL, and it capped a remarkable journey through adversity for the quarterback-turned-receiver, who has been cut three times in the NFL by three different franchises: the Detroit Lions, the Cincinnati Bengals, and, inexplicably, the Jets. While he exudes athleticism, Williams gives the credit for his incredible journey, comeback, and rise to his faith.
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“It goes back to my offseason in Cincinnati, before we started training camp,” Williams exclusively told The Mirror U.S. “I met this guy, Jhevasse Mitchell, who I consider like my father in faith. He taught me a lot, walking by faith and not by sight. I got to Cincinnati, and I’m doing great in training camp. I’m taking reps with the ones; there’s a lot of good buzz. But then in the first game, I dropped a pass. It was bad; it hit me right off the facemask. Bad drop. I got benched for another guy on the very next series, so now I’m just battling to make the roster.
“I didn’t make the roster, and I’m on the practice squad. I didn’t know when my opportunity would come, if at all. I didn’t know if this was the end of football.
“I thought I was going to get picked up by the Jets. AG and I go back to Detroit, so I figured there was a chance. But it didn’t happen right away. Then, about a week later, I get a call from Mougey and AG. Full circle. It happened.”
On the eve of the 2025 NFL season, Williams was signed by the Jets from the Bengals' practice squad. However, after a difficult start to the campaign, the Jets decided to part ways with him. “I was so excited to get going, but the season started rough. I wasn’t making good plays, and I fumbled against Miami. It was tough getting cut again.
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Isaiah Williams has linked back up with Aaron Glenn after first crossing paths with his coach in Detroit
Isaiah Williams has linked back up with Aaron Glenn after first crossing paths with his coach in Detroit(Image: Getty Images)
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“But this time, I had strong faith that I had been building up, and I was able to put it into practice. Everything changed. I trusted the situation, and God, and the season did a full 360.”
Williams was promoted back to the Jets' active roster two weeks after getting cut, and he returned a new man. In Week 8, Williams returned five kicks for 132 yards and three punts for 38 yards in a 39-38 win over the Bengals, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. In Week 10 against the Cleveland Browns, Williams returned a punt for a touchdown, becoming a star on special teams coach Chris Banjo’s league-leading unit and even being named the 2025 Curtis Martin Team MVP.
Having become the third special-teamer in franchise history to win the award, Williams has continued to make an impact in 2026. But in Week 4, he proved his worth as a receiver, scoring the first offensive touchdown of his NFL career.
“For the longest time in my life, I got put in a box as a gadget guy or a returner, but no - I can run routes, get open, be explosive. It was just great to have the opportunity at this level to show that and put it on display,” Williams declared. “It’s crazy because it happened on a play where nine times out of 10, the ball is never coming. On that play, I was technically not even a read; I was just an alert. If the quarterback sees a matchup he likes or just decides to take a shot, he throws it to me. Otherwise, I’m not even a read. Just a decoy runner.
“But that makes it even sweeter. The ball just found its way to me. It was a blessing.”
Isaiah Williams scored a 78-yard punt return versus the Miami Dolphins - just months after a fumble against the same opponent led to his cut by the Jets
Isaiah Williams scored a 78-yard punt return versus the Miami Dolphins - just months after a fumble against the same opponent led to his cut by the Jets(Image: Getty Images)
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In his words
What was it about the quarterback position that made you fall in love with the game?
“Playing quarterback, you get the ball every time, every play. Man, I just loved it. I love to be able to make an impact on the game. I was the oldest child, so naturally I was kind of a leader, and the position fit my character well. But honestly, I just love having the ball in my hands on every play and making plays. At the end of the day, when things are good, the quarterback gets all the praise, and when the team is bad, it’s almost all on you. I felt I was able to handle that, too.”
Was it difficult to change your position and leave quarterback behind?
“It was tough. Going back to high school, I literally used to throw every day. I used to train at this place called Elite Football Academy in Chesterfield, Missouri. I would literally go there from at night, and there were days I would close the facility. I had my own code and everything, they told me how to turn off the lights. I just fell in love with the quarterback position. After doing all that, I would watch Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, and Tom Brady and try to emulate everything they do.
“I kept working, and when [the position change] first got brought up to me, I was like, ‘man, I’ve put a lot of work into this.’ I didn’t want to give it up. But then I thought about it and felt it was time to take that step. I was just faithful and obedient, trusting the moment. The beauty of it all was all the things I did at quarterback - the work ethic and loving the game - I was able to take into moving to receiver.”
Did it surprise you how quickly you adjusted to receiver at Illinois?
“I feel like a lot of it was just God-given ability, honestly. Ever since I was a kid, I have always had quick feet. I always had good hand-eye coordination. And I just had good feet, so I could get open. I could get out of breaks fast. In some practices, I would mess around and just catch punts. But when it came time to swap to receiver, I said I’d never do it - but I felt it was time. It worked out.
“Of course, I worked hard to master some of the things, but I do believe it was a God-given ability. When I moved to receiver, I was able to use all the gifts I’ve been blessed with more. It was more natural.
“But I didn’t expect to have success so fast. I knew I’d have a chance to play in my first year at receiver, but I didn’t think I was going to lead the team in all three categories. I didn’t expect it at all.”
Week 5 versus the Browns
Isaiah Williams is fresh off his first receiving touchdown against the Bears
Isaiah Williams is fresh off his first receiving touchdown against the Bears(Image: Getty Images)
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The Jets have suffered three losses that threaten to derail the season despite a winning start and competitive play through the first quarter of the campaign. Williams knows his team needs to bounce back against an in-form Cleveland Browns team, acknowledging the AFC North franchise has an impressive secondary that will pose a challenge to the Jets' offense and receiving corps.
“Man, great secondary; two corners have been doing it for a long time, and they got some real aggressive safeties that love to fill the box,” Williams said. “When you play the Browns, you expect man because they got some great DBs. Even in the slot, the nickel corner is very good. Then, as far as just the box, being able to play against Q [Quincy Williams] will be special. You already know what he brings: aggression.
“Their offense is looking good, so we’re going against a team that’s turning the page. They look really good on film. But we’re ready for the challenge, and we’re ready to compete.”
The 1-3 Jets take on the 3-1 Browns at MetLife Stadium in Week 5 on Sunday, Oct. 11.