Reggie Williams

Born September 19, 1954, in Flint, Michigan, he was a linebacker as tough as nails. Reggie Williams.

The Renaissance Man of the Gridiron

• A player whose impact was just as profound off the field as it was on it.

College Career

Reggie Williams was a standout at Dartmouth College, where he was a psychology major and recipient of an academic scholarship. Despite being told he was too small to play at a bigger school, Williams became a two-way star. He was a three-time All-Ivy League linebacker and also an Ivy League heavyweight wrestling champion. Williams graduated in just three and a half years, earning a reputation for his intelligence, athleticism, and on-field ferocity. He was named a first-team All-America as a senior, becoming the last Ivy League player to achieve that status.

Road to the Pro Game

Williams’ collegiate success made him a coveted prospect, and the Cincinnati Bengals selected him in the third round of the 1976 NFL Draft. He immediately made an impact, earning a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team. Throughout his 14-year career, he was a fixture on the Bengals’ defense and a leader on and off the field. Williams’ path to the pros was a testament to his determination, having overcome challenges including a hearing disability as a child.

Football Legacy

Reggie Williams’ football legacy is defined by his incredible durability and his well-rounded contributions to the sport. He spent his entire 14-year career with the Bengals, playing in 206 games and appearing in two Super Bowls (XVI and XXIII). He holds Bengals franchise records for 23 fumble recoveries and is second in team history with 62.5 sacks and 16 interceptions. Beyond the statistics, Williams was a respected leader and a powerful voice in the NFL’s community efforts. He was a force of nature off the field, serving on the Cincinnati City Council while still an active player and later becoming a sports executive, including a role as a vice president at Walt Disney World. His concept for the Youth Education Town (YET) for the NFL led to the creation of what became Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

• College Football Hall of Fame (2007)
• NFL All-Rookie Team (1976)
• Byron “Whizzer” White Award for Humanitarian Service (1985)
• Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award (1986)
• Sports Illustrated Co-Sportsman of the Year (1987)
• Career Games: 206
• Career Sacks: 62.5
• Career Interceptions: 16
• Super Bowl Appearances: XVI and XXIII