Roy Williams

Bio

The first player in history to claim the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Jim Thorpe Award in the same year, Roy Williams struck fear in his opponents as he led Oklahoma to the 2000 national title and a 31-7 record during his three seasons in Norman. The Union City, California, native is the 23rd Sooner player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame. Williams was a unanimous First Team All-American in 2001 and started 31 games for the Sooners, recording 287 tackles, 34 tackles for loss, nine interceptions and 44 pass deflections during his career. He captained the Sooners to an 11-2 record in 2001 and a 10-3 win in the Cotton Bowl against Arkansas. Williams posted six tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks in the game, claiming Defensive MVP honors. His performance during the 2001 season earned him Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors as well as the Nagurski and Thorpe awards, and he finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting. In 2000, he led the Big 12 champion Sooners to their first 13-win season, capped by a 13-2 win over Florida State in the 2001 Orange Bowl to claim the BCS National Championship. Williams helped Oklahoma notch a 7-5 record in 1999 and a spot in the Independence Bowl. A two-time First Team All-Big 12 selection, he carved a unique place in Oklahoma football annals with an iconic play during the 2001 Red River Showdown. Leaping over defenders, Williams knocked the ball from Texas QB Chris Simms and into the hands of OU's Teddy Lehman, who scored a touchdown. The play sealed a 14-3 win for OU while earning Williams the moniker "Superman" as he appeared to fly through the air. Williams played several seasons in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals, earning five consecutive Pro Bowl berths. Active in the community, he established the Roy Williams Safety Net Foundation to support low-income single mothers. The Roy Williams Strength and Speed Complex at OU is named in his honor, and he is a member of the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame.

Career Highlights

• 2001 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Award
• 2001 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Winner
• 2001 First Team All-America
• 2001 First Team All-Big 12
• 2001 Jack Tatum Trophy Winner
• 2001 Jim Thorpe Award Winner
• 2000 First Team All-Big 12