Williams leader in role as SaberCat
June 26, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. (June 26, 2004) - After three years in the National Football League, George Williams decided he still wanted to be a part of the gridiron game. Since signing with the San Jose SaberCats in 2001, he's been a unique part of the Arena Football League team's success in the past three years.
The 6-foot-4 lineman will also see key minutes for the SaberCats when they take on the Arizona Rattlers in ArenaBowl XVIII Sunday at Phoenix' America West Arena. Game time is 1 p.m. (PST) with a national television audience watching on NBC.
What Williams has brought to the table for the 'Silicon Valley' based team is his leadership. He's been the team representative for the AFL players association and he adds depth to the veteran talent on the line.
In the professional ranks, he has been a defensive lineman. He also contributes on the offensive side as well in Arena ball. "I played tight end in high school; that's what I play now so there's not much difference," he said.
He became the first 'Cats tight end since 1999 to catch a touchdown pass. He could say, honestly, he is an offensive threat. "Pretty much, you can tell by the sweet hands, the hands are still there," George says with that audacious grin. "Even when I was in the NFL, I liked to mess around with the quarterbacks and keep my hands tight."
A setback occurred when Williams went under the knife to repair a torn rotator cuff. He came to training camp in January still recuperating from surgery. There was no timetable for his return to the active roster, but his willingness to return to the field and his work ethic was inspirational.
He missed the first game of the season, but an off-week gave him another seven days to work on his shoulder strength and he was ready to return to the SaberCats active lineup quicker than anyone could have imagined.
"Fred (Stephens) is quietly one of the best trainers I know of, because of him you do much better when the game comes around," he said of the SaberCats strength coach. "He makes things fun and makes you work hard when you need to. You don't even realize it because he is shooting the breeze with you."
Stephens admits he can't take all the credit. He applauds Williams for his hard work ethic and motivation. "He pushed the envelope for getting out there early. There are not a lot of guys like George out there; with his NFL experience he knows how to motivate himself," Fred said. "He's been in the NFL arena and then he comes to arena football and you're just working on his motivation."
Williams gives his teammates accolades: "All we do is practice hard every day like it's a game. You get your conditioning from running to the ball and running up and down the field so when the game comes, it's easier than the workouts."
This season, George's only reception was an important one. That was a 16-yard catch in the quarterfinals against Tampa Bay. Defensively, he's collected 17 total tackles in 13 games, with one sack and a pass breakup. Interestingly, Williams has played in all seven playoff games since 2002.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 26, 2004
- Rattlers seek third AFL title - AFL I
- ArenaBowl XVIII officially a sellout - AFL I
- Williams leader in role as SaberCat - San Jose SaberCats
- Grieb good to go for ArenaBowl XVIII this Sunday on NBC - AFL I
- Johnson's switch has helped SaberCats' run - AFL I
- ArenaBowl XVIII nears sellout - AFL I
- ArenaBowl XVIII quotes - AFL I
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