Tyreek Maddox-Williams Bio
Tyreek Maddox-Williams (born October 28, 1997) is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Maddox-Williams played college football for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights from 2016 to 2021. After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers and has since developed into a special teams contributor with stints at multiple franchises. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 228 pounds, Maddox-Williams brings depth at the linebacker position and has appeared in three NFL games throughout his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Tyreek Maddox-Williams was born on October 28, 1997, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he spent his formative years before attending Timber Creek Regional High School in New Jersey. At Timber Creek, he established himself as a talented football player and earned first-team all-division honors as a senior. During his final high school season, he recorded 74 tackles, two interceptions, and one sack, demonstrating his ability to make plays from multiple positions on the field.
Maddox-Williams was rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and was ranked as the 29th-best player in the state of New Jersey. Initially committed to Buffalo, he flipped his commitment and chose to continue his football career closer to home at Rutgers University in New Jersey. His decision to join the Scarlet Knights marked the beginning of his journey toward professional football.
Path to the NFL
Maddox-Williams arrived at Rutgers University in 2016 and immediately made an impact as a true freshman. He appeared in 11 games, starting six, and finished the season with 47 tackles. His strong performance earned him recognition on ESPN’s Freshman All-Big Ten Conference team, highlighting his potential as a future contributor at the collegiate level. However, his sophomore season was derailed by a torn ACL injury that forced him to miss the entire 2017 campaign.
After completing his rehabilitation, Maddox-Williams returned to the field in 2018 and started all 12 games, posting 48 tackles. His leadership qualities became evident when he was named team captain for the 2019 season. That year, he appeared in 12 games with eight starts, recording 45 tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, and 1.5 sacks. His consistent performance and durability continued through the 2020 season, where he tallied 39 tackles across nine games with one start.
In his final collegiate season in 2021, Maddox-Williams appeared in eight games and recorded 27 tackles, two pass breakups, and recovered a fumble. His academic achievements were equally impressive, as he was named a five-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. Following his senior year, he participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, further showcasing his abilities to professional scouts. Despite his accomplishments, he went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft but caught the attention of NFL teams with his special teams play and leadership experience.
Tyreek Maddox-Williams Career
Los Angeles Chargers (2022)
After going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Maddox-Williams signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent. He competed for a roster spot during training camp and the preseason but was released at the final roster cuts. The Chargers quickly re-signed him to their practice squad, allowing him to continue developing within their system. On January 17, 2023, he was signed to a reserve/future contract, securing his place on the roster for the following season. He was waived on July 28, 2023, before the start of the regular season.
Philadelphia Eagles (2023)
Maddox-Williams joined the Philadelphia Eagles on August 19, 2023, returning to his home state of Pennsylvania. In his only preseason appearance with the Eagles, he delivered a standout performance against the Indianapolis Colts. He recorded seven tackles, two pass breakups, one tackle for loss, and intercepted a pass that he returned 42 yards for a significant play. Despite his impressive showing, he was released at the final roster cuts as teams made their final decisions.
Arizona Cardinals (2023–2024)
On September 13, 2023, Maddox-Williams was signed to the Arizona Cardinals practice squad. His strong work ethic and versatility earned him a promotion to the active roster on December 20, 2023. He finished the 2023 season having appeared in three games, adding valuable experience to his professional resume. On August 27, 2024, he was waived by the Cardinals during final roster cuts.
Atlanta Falcons (2024)
Maddox-Williams signed with the Atlanta Falcons practice squad on October 30, 2024. He spent time with the Falcons developing his craft and contributing on special teams units. He was released by the Falcons on December 3, 2024, concluding his tenure with the organization.
Buffalo Bills (2025–Present)
On January 8, 2025, Maddox-Williams was signed to the Buffalo Bills practice squad. Joining a competitive AFC contender, he continues to work toward securing a permanent spot on an NFL roster. The Bills, known for their strong organizational culture and playoff contention, provide Maddox-Williams with an opportunity to showcase his abilities in a winning environment. His journey through five NFL franchises demonstrates his persistence and determination to establish himself at the professional level.
Playing Style and Strengths
Maddox-Williams is primarily known for his special teams contributions and his ability to play multiple linebacker positions. His experience as a team captain at Rutgers reflects his leadership qualities and communication skills on the field. He displays solid tackling technique and has shown the capacity to cover receivers in space. His five-time Academic All-Big Ten recognition indicates strong football intelligence and the ability to quickly process defensive schemes, attributes that translate well to special teams play at the professional level.
Notable Moments
His most memorable professional moment came during the 2023 preseason with the Philadelphia Eagles, where his 42-yard interception return against the Indianapolis Colts showcased his playmaking ability. This performance, combined with his seven tackles and two pass breakups, demonstrated his potential to contribute in multiple facets of the game. His selection to the Freshman All-Big Ten team at Rutgers remains one of his earliest notable achievements as he continues to pursue a stable NFL career.
Tyreek Maddox-Williams Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2022 to 2024, Maddox-Williams has appeared in three regular-season games. His professional journey reflects the challenging path many undrafted players face as they work to establish themselves in the league. He has played for five different organizations in three years, demonstrating the流动性 of NFL roster construction and his ability to remain in the league despite frequent changes.
College Career Highlights
At Rutgers, Maddox-Williams built a solid foundation for his professional career. His freshman season in 2016 established him as a playmaker with 47 tackles and Freshman All-Big Ten honors. After recovering from his ACL injury, he steadily improved and served as team captain in 2019. His career totals at Rutgers include over 200 tackles across five seasons, along with his academic achievements that set him apart as a student-athlete. His five-time Academic All-Big Ten selection remains a testament to his dedication both on and off the field.
Tyreek Maddox-Williams Family
Family Background
Detailed information about Tyreek Maddox-Williams’s family background is not publicly available. He was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended Timber Creek Regional High School in New Jersey. His roots in the Philadelphia area have influenced his career path, leading him to play for the Philadelphia Eagles during his NFL journey.
Personal Life
Maddox-Williams maintains an active presence on social media with an X account under the handle @tyreekwilliams_. He continues to pursue his NFL career while residing in the Buffalo area with his current team. His journey through multiple NFL franchises demonstrates his resilience and commitment to achieving his professional football goals.
2025 Season Outlook
Entering the 2025 season with the Buffalo Bills, Maddox-Williams aims to build upon his experience and earn more opportunities on the active roster. The Bills feature a competitive linebacker room and a strong defensive culture under their coaching staff. His primary path to playing time likely comes through special teams contributions, an area where he has consistently shown promise throughout his career. With continued development and performance in practice, he could see increased playing time as the season progresses. His journey through five teams in three years reflects the challenging reality for undrafted players, but also highlights his determination to remain in the NFL and potentially contribute to a championship-caliber team like the Buffalo Bills.