Kendall Tyler Williamson is an American professional football safety for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal and was selected in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears. Williamson has also spent time with the Buffalo Bills during his young professional career. He made his NFL debut during the 2024 season after signing with the Chargers practice squad and subsequently being elevated to the active roster.
Kendall Tyler Williamson Bio
Born on August 24, 2000, in Snellville, Georgia, Kendall Tyler Williamson grew up in the Atlanta suburbs and developed a passion for football at an early age. His journey from a high school standout to a Division I college player at Stanford showcases his dedication to the sport. Williamson played five seasons with the Stanford Cardinal from 2018 to 2022, compiling impressive statistics that highlighted his versatility as a safety. His professional career began when the Chicago Bears selected him in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft with the 258th overall pick.
Early Life and Background
Williamson attended Brookwood High School in Snellville, Georgia, where he established himself as a notable football player. His performance at the high school level earned him recognition and provided the foundation for his collegiate career at Stanford University, one of the premier football programs in the country. Growing up in Georgia, a state known for producing talented football players, Williamson benefited from competitive youth and high school football environments that prepared him for the challenges of major college football.
Path to American Football
After graduating from Brookwood High School, Williamson continued his football career at Stanford University. He joined the Stanford Cardinal program in 2018 and spent five seasons developing his skills as a safety. During his collegiate career, Williamson demonstrated consistent improvement and became a reliable presence in the secondary. His transition from high school football in Georgia to the Pac-12 Conference at Stanford represented a significant step up in competition level, and he managed the adjustment successfully. His college experience at Stanford, known for its rigorous academic standards alongside athletic excellence, shaped him into a well-rounded player prepared for professional football.
Kendall Tyler Williamson Career
Chicago Bears (2023)
Williamson entered the NFL when the Chicago Bears selected him in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft with the 258th overall pick. Despite being a late-round selection, he earned an opportunity to compete at the professional level. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 29, 2023, but was re-signed to the Bears practice squad shortly afterward. This experience on the practice squad allowed him to learn the professional game while continuing to develop his skills. After the 2023 season concluded, Williamson was not signed to a reserve/future contract, making him a free agent entering the 2024 offseason.
Buffalo Bills (2024)
On January 22, 2024, Williamson signed a reserve/future contract with the Buffalo Bills, providing him with another opportunity to compete for a roster spot with a franchise known for its strong defensive identity. He participated in the Bills offseason program and training camp as he competed for a position on the team. However, he was released as part of the Bills final roster cuts on August 27, 2024. Although his time in Buffalo was brief, the experience added valuable depth to his professional resume and exposed him to another organization’s defensive schemes and coaching methods.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2024–Present)
Williamson joined the Los Angeles Chargers organization on October 30, 2024, when he was signed to the team’s practice squad. His persistence and continued development caught the attention of the Chargers coaching staff. He was elevated to the Chargers active roster for their Week 16 matchup against the Denver Broncos, marking his official NFL debut. Making his debut during a regular-season game represented the culmination of his journey from undrafted free agent to practice squad player to active roster member. Following the 2024 season, Williamson signed a reserve/future contract with the Chargers on January 13, 2025, securing his place with the team heading into the 2025 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
As a safety, Williamson brings versatility and football intelligence to the Chargers secondary. His collegiate career at Stanford, known for its complex defensive schemes, prepared him to handle various responsibilities in the defensive backfield. His ability to contribute on special teams and provide depth at the safety position makes him a valuable roster piece. Williamson’s experience playing multiple seasons at a high level of college football gave him a strong foundation in reading offensive formations and reacting to plays.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most significant milestone in Williamson’s young career came during the 2024 season when he made his NFL debut for the Los Angeles Chargers against the Denver Broncos in Week 16. This moment represented years of hard work from his days at Brookwood High School through his five seasons at Stanford and his journey through multiple NFL organizations. The transition from the practice squad to the active roster demonstrated his ability to remain focused and continue improving despite setbacks.
Kendall Tyler Williamson College Statistics
During his five seasons at Stanford from 2018 to 2022, Williamson established himself as a productive defender for the Cardinal. He accumulated 213 total tackles, including 11 tackles for loss, demonstrating his ability to make plays both against the run and in pass coverage. He recorded 1.5 sacks, one interception, and 13 pass deflections, showing his skills in breaking up passes and creating turnovers. Additionally, Williamson recovered one fumble and forced two fumbles, contributing to Stanford’s defensive success during his tenure. These statistics reflect a player who made consistent contributions over multiple seasons at the Power Five level.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Williamson returns to the Los Angeles Chargers after signing his reserve/future contract in January 2025. His journey through three NFL organizations in just two seasons demonstrates the competitive nature of professional football and the importance of continued development. With the Chargers, Williamson will look to build upon his limited NFL experience and earn more opportunities on the active roster. His familiarity with the Chargers defensive scheme after joining mid-season in 2024 should benefit him as he competes for a more permanent role. The 2025 season represents a crucial year for Williamson as he aims to establish himself as a reliable NFL safety and contribute to the Chargers defensive unit.