James Williams (defensive back)
James Earl "J.D." Williams is a former professional American football player who was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 1990 NFL Draft. Before college, Williams was a running back and defensive back who played for the Horned Toads of Coalinga High School. A 5'10", 185 lbs. defensive back at Fresno State University, Williams played in six NFL seasons, from 1990 to 1994 and 1996 for the Bills, Arizona Cardinals, and San Francisco 49ers.
Williams was most notable for being the first player on the Buffalo Bills squad to don number 31, which had been "retired" to represent the spirit of the franchise. Since Williams wore the number, the Bills have allowed anyone to wear the 31 jersey; it was later worn by Dwayne Wright, who like Williams, went to Fresno State. Jairus Byrd wore the number before becoming a free agent; he used it because his college number, 32, was unofficially retired because of O.J. Simpson.
