Xavier Williams


Xavier Ramon Williams is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He played college football at the University of Northern Iowa. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals.

Early years

Williams was born in Kansas City, Missouri on January 2, 1992. He attended Grandview High School, where he was named a first-team all conference selection. He was named to the Suburban Mid-Six team in 2009 and earned first team all metro honors. Aside from football, Williams was a three-year starter and two-time qualifier in wrestling.

College career

Williams attended the University of Northern Iowa between 2010-2014. He was earned All-Missouri Valley Football Conference First Team Honors in both 2013 and 2014. Williams had the opportunity to play in the East-West Shrine Game following his senior season, where he performed well at the defensive tackle position

Professional career

Arizona Cardinals

On May 5, 2015, Williams signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent. In his rookie year in 2015, he played 4 games making 2 tackles.
On March 13, 2018, the Cardinals placed an original round restricted free agent tender on Williams, which allows a player to negotiate a contract with another team, but their original team can match the offer, if they refuse, they receive a draft pick from the round the player was drafted in. For undrafted players, like Williams, the team receives no compensation.

Kansas City Chiefs

On March 20, 2018, Williams received a contract offer from the Kansas City Chiefs giving the Cardinals a chance to match. The Cardinals declined to match the Chiefs offer, so he signed his offer sheet with the Chiefs.
On October 9, 2019, Williams was placed on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain. He was designated for return from injured reserve on December 4, 2019, and began practicing with the team again. He was activated on December 25, 2019. Williams won Super Bowl LIV with Chiefs after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 31-20.