Joshua Williams Bio
Joshua Williams is an American professional football cornerback who plays in the National Football League (NFL). After a standout college career at Fayetteville State, he was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. During his time in Kansas City, Williams contributed to back-to-back Super Bowl championships, helping the Chiefs win titles in Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LVIII. He later signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2026 to begin the next chapter of his career.
Listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 193 pounds, Williams is known for his length and physicality on the perimeter. He has built a reputation as a reliable defensive back who can play both outside and in the slot. His journey from a small-college program to championship Sundays has made him a respected figure among NFL cornerbacks.
Early Life and Background
Joshua Williams was born on October 17, 1999, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He grew up in the same community that would later shape his athletic identity, surrounded by family and a strong local sports culture. He is of Kittitian descent through his father, a heritage that connects him to the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Williams attended Jack Britt High School in Fayetteville, where he played football and ran track. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism quickly caught the attention of college scouts, even if major programs did not immediately come calling. After graduating from Jack Britt, he completed a postgraduate year at Palmetto Prep in Columbia, South Carolina, using the extra season to sharpen his skills and attract more college interest.
That decision proved pivotal. The postgraduate experience gave Williams a platform to showcase his abilities against stronger competition and helped him earn a scholarship offer from Fayetteville State University, a historically Black college located in his hometown.
Path to American Football
At Fayetteville State, Williams initially played the nickel cornerback position as a freshman before moving to outside cornerback before his sophomore year. The transition paid off. In his sophomore season, he finished with 32 tackles, one tackle for loss, 11 passes defended, and two interceptions, numbers that signaled his arrival as a legitimate defensive back.
His junior season in 2020 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a setback that limited his exposure to professional scouts. As a senior, Williams responded with 31 tackles, nine passes defended, and three interceptions, one of which he returned 32 yards for a touchdown. His strong final season earned him first-team All-Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association honors in 2021.
Following his college career, Williams participated in the 2022 Senior Bowl and the 2022 NFL Combine, two important stages that allowed him to test himself against top talent. His performance in those events helped boost his draft stock and put him on the radar of NFL teams looking for length and athleticism at the cornerback position.
Joshua Williams Career
Early Career (2022)
Williams was selected in the fourth round, 135th overall, of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. He was the first player drafted out of Fayetteville State in the regular portion of the NFL Draft, and the first Bronco selected in any part of the draft since 1973. The selection marked a historic moment for both Williams and his college program.
In his rookie season, Williams quickly found his way into the defensive rotation. He recorded his first career NFL interception in Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers, picking off a pass in a 44-23 victory. His role grew as the season progressed, and he became a trusted contributor in the Chiefs’ secondary during their playoff run.
Kansas City Chiefs Breakthrough (2022-2023)
Williams played a key role in the Chiefs’ postseason journey during the 2022 season. In the AFC Championship Game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he intercepted a pass from Joe Burrow at a critical moment, helping Kansas City preserve a lead and secure a 23-20 win that sent the team to Super Bowl LVII. Against the Philadelphia Eagles, Williams recorded four tackles as the Chiefs captured the championship with a 38-35 victory.
The following year, Williams won his second consecutive Super Bowl ring when Kansas City defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in Super Bowl LVIII. He added two tackles in the title game, cementing his status as a key piece of a dynasty defensive backfield. Across his time with the Chiefs, Williams appeared in regular season and postseason games, finishing with 97 total tackles, 18 pass deflections, one interception, and one sack.
Tennessee Titans Era (2026-Present)
On March 12, 2026, Williams signed a two-year, $6.75 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. The move marked his departure from Kansas City and presented an opportunity to take on a larger role with a rebuilding defense. He joined a Titans team looking to add experienced, championship-level talent to its secondary.
Williams brings veteran leadership and a winning pedigree to Tennessee. His combination of size, coverage ability, and postseason experience is expected to make him a central figure in the Titans’ defensive plans. The signing reflects the organization’s belief that he can be a long-term building block at the cornerback position.
Driving Style and Strengths
Williams is praised for his physicality, length, and instincts in coverage. Standing 6 feet 3 inches, he has the size to match up with larger receivers and the speed to stay with quicker players. His ball skills and tackling ability make him a well-rounded defender capable of contributing in both man and zone schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Williams’ interception of Joe Burrow in the 2022 AFC Championship Game stands as one of the defining moments of his career. His two Super Bowl rings in LVII and LVIII, combined with his status as the first Fayetteville State player drafted in nearly five decades, highlight the significance of his achievements.
Joshua Williams Career Wins
Joshua Williams’ career win totals reflect both team success and individual milestones. His two Super Bowl championships with the Kansas City Chiefs place him among a select group of cornerbacks with multiple titles at a young age. Beyond the championships, his consistent play has earned him recognition as a reliable NFL starter.
Kansas City Chiefs Highlights
During his time with the Chiefs, Williams was part of one of the most successful stretches in franchise history. He contributed to Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LVIII victories, while also playing a role in multiple AFC Championship runs. His first career interception against the San Francisco 49ers in 2022 marked his arrival as a playmaker in the secondary.
Other Wins and Performances
Williams earned first-team All-Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors in 2021, capping a strong senior season at Fayetteville State. His participation in the 2022 Senior Bowl and NFL Combine further validated his status as a top small-school prospect.
Joshua Williams Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Joshua Williams was raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where family and community played a central role in his development. He is of Kittitian descent through his father, a connection to the Caribbean nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis that remains part of his personal identity.
Personal Life
Williams is known for his dedication to his craft and his humility off the field. He has credited his upbringing in Fayetteville and his family for shaping his work ethic and perseverance. His postgraduate year at Palmetto Prep reflects a willingness to take the longer road in pursuit of his goals, a mindset that has defined his career.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into 2025, Joshua Williams was preparing for what would be his final season under contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs were aiming to extend their championship window, and Williams remained a key contributor in the secondary. His experience and familiarity with the defensive scheme positioned him as a leader in the defensive backfield.
Through the 2025 season, Williams continued to produce steady play, finishing his Chiefs tenure with 97 total tackles, 18 pass deflections, one interception, and one sack. While the team faced heightened expectations as defending champions, Williams’ consistency provided stability in the secondary.
Although his time in Kansas City concluded shortly after the 2025 season, Williams left a lasting legacy with the franchise. His two Super Bowl rings, postseason heroics, and professional approach ensured his place in Chiefs history. The 2025 campaign served as a bridge between his championship years and the start of a new opportunity in Tennessee.
