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Jimmy Williams Introductory Press Conference - Sunday, April 30, 2006:
Arthur Blank: Welcome. Yesterday was a great day for Atlanta, for the Falcons and our fans. Even though we didn't get a first round pick, I think we got a first round pick. Before we turn to that, I want to talk about how we progressed to this point. Rich (McKay) will be down here in a minute. I want to say that this is another indication of the shared philosophy that Rich McKay and I have in how we get to this point. We both believe that free agency is how you fill out the roster and the specific needs that the team has, but you build the team really through the draft. I think this is an example of that.
When we entered this 2006 draft, we really had no glaring holes. We had re-signed Fred McCrary and Brian Finneran and we made good use of the free agency market. We conducted a three-team trade to pick up John Abraham, who is one of the premiere speed rushing ends in the NFL. We signed Lawyer Milloy, a four-time Pro Bowl player. We picked up Chris Crocker from the Cleveland Browns and traded a fourth round pick to do that. He's a very intelligent, tough and smart player. So, we're thrilled about what we've done in free agency and thrilled about the draft in today's selection so far.
Off the field we've made improvements as well. Billy Devaney is now with us and has been very helpful to Rich both during free agency, as well as during this draft process. Yesterday, Billy, Rich and Brian Xanders were all very helpful in negotiating the trade that allowed us to move up 10 picks to have Jimmy here today. Phil Emery, I can't say enough about him. Phil, our director of college scouting, has done a super job of working for a year or longer in getting ready for this draft. He and all the scouts deserve a tremendous amount of credit, particularly Bob Harrison who has a long relationship with the players at Virginia Tech. Now, we're looking at five players on our roster from Virginia Tech in Michael Vick, DeAngelo Hall, Matt Lehr, Bryan Randall and now Jimmy Williams. So, we're starting to build a little fraternity here of players from Virginia.
In 2002 when I bought the team, there was some concern about the team colors being changed to colors I was very close to for many years at The Home Depot; that was orange and white. Now, there is great concern that we may be changing the colors to maroon, orange and white. We got five players who are used to wearing those colors. We're thrilled to have Jimmy Williams with us. He was really one of the top defensive backs in this draft.
Really, I never thought we would be able to reach the point where we would be able to see him in this building, given what we had to do to get John Abraham. He was a consensus All-American. He played 53 games for the Hokies and recorded 263 tackles, 150 of those which were on a solo basis showing the kind of aggressive tackler that he really is. He recovered two fumbles, intercepted nine passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns and defensed 23 passes at his position. Everything we know about Jimmy says he's a great player both physically and mentally tough. He's a hard worker and has great character.
It's kind of interesting to me on a personal side note. About seven months ago, my middle son Joshua had said to me, and trust me Joshua watches and scouts every college game, said, dad, Jimmy Williams has got to be our player.' This is seven months ago. I said that Jimmy is a great player Josh, but right now he's slated to go somewhere between 5-12, and we're slated at number 15 and I don't know if he is going to be there at 15. Then of course when we happened to make this trade to get John Abraham, I had to come home and explain to Josh that there was some good news and bad news. The good news is that we got a great defensive end from the New York Jets. He's a wonderful person, great football player and will add a tremendous amount to our defense. The bad news is your dream of Jimmy Williams is now again. So, it's not easy to dash the hopes of a nine-year old when you tell him that all his pre-draft work has gone out the window now.
I had a chance to meet Jimmy at the Walter Camp All-American Awards. Jimmy was one of the All-Americans. I came back and told the fellas that I was very impressed with this young man. I really enjoyed talking with him and understanding his background. Then we had this situation develop. So, I really never expected to see Jimmy available either. I told him yesterday, honestly for me, it's a blessing and miracle that he is here in Atlanta. In some ways, I kind of think it is meant to be and I think Jimmy feels that way a little bit too.
So, we had a unique opportunity yesterday and we were able to take advantage of it. We feel very fortunate about having him and his family here with us today. His dad, James Williams, who was a running back and kick returner at St. Paul University in Virginia as well. His mom, Elizabeth, and brother Andrew, who I understand is going to pursue a career in computers and electronics and maybe in football as well.
So, Jimmy, let me be the first to acknowledge you being a Falcon. We're very excited about having you and could not be more excited that you are here speaking for all of the fans in Atlanta and throughout the state of Georgia. You'll be a great addition to our team. You can expect nothing but full support from us both professionally and personally.
When you're not playing football, we will look out for you and do everything your mother and father would expect us to do. We'll be here to support you in any way we can. We look forward to a very long and wonderful career for you as an Atlanta Falcon.
Jimmy Williams: First off I'd like to thank God because he is the reason that I am here. I'd like thank Mr. Blank, Coach Mora and Mr. McKay. It was a long day yesterday. Atlanta was not exactly on my mind at the time. I'd like to thank my parents and younger brother because they've really sacrificed a lot of things to put me here. I can't forget where I came from in Hampton, Virginia. I'd also like to thank Virginia Tech and my college coaches in Coach Beamer, Coach Foster, Coach Cavanaugh, Coach Ward. I'd also like to thank to thank my agent Ethan Locke and the whole team. Bruce Smith. There are a lot of people to thank and I can't think of all of them right now. It's just a pleasure to be here. I'm glad to be in Atlanta. I feel like it is my second home. I've come down here to visit DeAngelo, Michael and Marcus numerous times. I'm just happy to be a Falcon.
Q: Do you use that as motivation that you didn't go in first round? Williams: Definitely. That was the main thing on my mind. I think there was about eight defensive backs and I know all of them personally. I know that they'll see me again and I can't wait to see them again. I'm looking forward to the challenge.
Q: Did you get any indication on why those teams passed you by? Williams: No. It's always been difficult for me to get my dues or earn respect. I kind of like it that way. That's me. It's always been like that since I've been a kid. It pushes me to become a better player, so I'm going to use it to my advantage.
Q: Did you expect to go between picks 5-12? Williams: Yes, sir. I had talked to the Jets earlier in the morning, San Francisco numerous times, the Dolphins and Detroit. I thought I was going to go anywhere between 4-12.
Q: How disappointing was that? Williams: I'm not going to lie to you. I was fairly disappointed. At the same time, I couldn't be in a better place. I couldn't have better teammates, owner, coaches or family. My family has always been there for me and they always will be there for me.
Q: Playing the one position that the Falcons might look to have a player step right in Williams: Right now, I'm just glad to be here. I'm glad to be enjoying this. I just want to play. Whether it be a gunner, punt return or kickoff return. I just want to hit somebody. I've been working out and everyday I've been doing something. I'm anxious to get out there on the field again and contribute.
Q: Have you talked to DeAngelo Hall yet? Williams: I talked with DeAngelo last night. Alge (Crumpler) sent me a text message. Michael (Vick) called through Marcus. It's a pleasure.
Q: Does it make transition easier being familiar with friends on the team? Williams: Definitely. That is why I feel like I was meant to be here. The way things worked out. I hadn't talked to Coach Mora or Mr. Blank since the combine and I can't think of a better coach. I love that dude over there. I feel the passion he has for me and I'm willing to do whatever for him.
Q: Being confident, do you scratch your head with people saying you might be too confident? Williams: No. That has always been me. I can only be me. I can't worry about how people feel and what people think about me. Once you talk to me and be around me, people know me and generally like me. All I can do is be me and do what I do best.
Q: In 2004, what happened when your coach wouldn't let you talk to the media? Williams: Well, I was kind of young at the time. We were playing the number one team in the country and I had just switched from safety to corner. So, I was a little pressing to show them what I was about at corner. Mike Williams was in the League and considered the best receiver. I think the media re-worded it wrong. I didn't really have a big problem with it. It was a learning experience and I'm glad it happened because I wouldn't be here if it didn't. I definitely wouldn't be talking to y'all or know how to talk to all of you now. I need you all just as much as you need me.
Q: Who were the toughest players you had to guard? Williams: I would say (Larry) Fitzgerald when he was in the Big East. Calvin Johnson is going to be a heck of a player. I would have to say Willie Reed from Florida State.
Q: Being on the field with DeAngelo Hall again? Williams: Oh yeah, we've shared numerous fields. To have him out there, I know he wants to be the best and I need him to continue to be like that because I want to be the best. When you have two people like that, it brings out the best in each other and works out perfectly. Like I said, we've known each other for awhile, so it's more like a marriage now.
Q: What do you think you do best? Williams: Probably my physical attributes at the position. I just want to set the precedent or change things for tall corners or players out there at the position. Sometimes they want to put you in a different spot due to your size. I just want to give high school and college kids the confidence that you can play corner being tall. If you work hard at it, you can do anything.
Q: Looking ahead and having to face a bunch of new, top notch players in the division, what do you think? Williams: I haven't really thought that far. I'm just talking with Mr. Blank and Coach. We're vibing right now. I'm not thinking about the competition. I'm thinking about the workouts coming up and getting in here as soon as possible.
Q: What player did you grow up idolizing? Williams: Deion Sanders without a doubt. Charles Woodson and Ray Lewis. If I had to narrow it down to two players, I'd have to say Deion Sanders and Ray Lewis. That is who I want to be, so I just got to work at it.
Q: Any player in NFL you'd like to go up against? Williams: I'd have to say Randy (Moss). As a kid watching him while he was at Marshall. He was an amazing receiver to me. I'd love to get out there and say a couple of words. All I can do is wait right now.
