Kyle Williams

Throughout the history of professional sports, there are very few individuals who have personified the heart and soul of a team and community like Kyle Williams.

A fifth-round draft pick from LSU, Williams joined the Buffalo Bills in 2006 and quickly became a fan favorite through his character, working-class style, and determination.

Williams played his entire 13-year career with the Buffalo Bills, one of only six players to play at least 13 years with the team. He started in 178 of his 183 games with the Bills. He was named an All-Pro in 2010, and was named to six Pro Bowl teams.

Leading the Bills defense, he finished his career with more than 600 tackles, 48.5 sacks and 140 quarterback hits. He is the Bills career leader in “tackles for a loss (103),” second in career “assists on tackles (236),” and sixth in career sacks (48.5). His sack total is the most career sacks by a Buffalo Bills defensive tackle.

In 2017 Williams scored a touchdown on his only career rushing attempt, helping the team secure a win against the Miami Dolphins, and clinching a playoff berth for the Bills.

Off the field, Williams was known as a presence in the Western New York community, and in 2016 he was honored with the NFL’s Call to Courage Award, which recognizes a player for exemplary character and service to his community.

As Williams announced his retirement, Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott reflected on his impact on the organization by saying, “He’s a guy that personifies what we want to be all about as Buffalo Bills. He really bleeds, not only red, but red, white and blue. We need more Kyle Williamses. They probably only come around once in a lifetime.”