Evan Williams Bio
Evan Williams (born July 28, 2001) is an American professional football safety for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected 111th overall in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Packers. Williams previously played college football for the Fresno State Bulldogs from 2019 to 2022 and transferred to the Oregon Ducks for his final collegiate season in 2023. In his rookie NFL campaign, Williams earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors after emerging as a starter at safety for Green Bay.
Early Life and Background
Evan Williams was born on July 28, 2001, in Los Gatos, California. He attended Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, California, where he developed into a notable football prospect. Williams demonstrated strong defensive instincts and playmaking ability during his high school career, attracting attention from multiple college programs. His performance on the field positioned him to continue his football journey at the collegiate level.
Coming from an athletic family, Williams is the brother of Bennett Williams, who also pursued a football career at Oregon and later played in the Canadian Football League. The Williams family’s connection to football provided Evan with early exposure to the sport and helped shape his development as a defensive player.
Path to Professional Football
After completing high school at Saint Francis, Evan Williams committed to play college football for the Fresno State Bulldogs. The transition from high school to the Mountain West Conference represented a significant step in his development, facing higher-level competition while continuing to refine his skills as a safety. Williams arrived at Fresno State with the foundation to compete at the Division I level.
During his time at Fresno State, Williams established himself as a reliable and productive defensive player, earning all-conference recognition over multiple seasons. His progression through the Bulldogs program prepared him for the challenges of major college football when he decided to transfer. After four seasons with Fresno State, Williams entered the NCAA transfer portal and ultimately chose to continue his collegiate career at Oregon, joining the Pac-12 Conference for his senior season.
Evan Williams Career
Fresno State Years (2019–2022)
Williams began his collegiate career at Fresno State in 2019, making an immediate impact as a true freshman. In his first season, he recorded 40 tackles, two pass deflections, one interception, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble. These statistics demonstrated his versatility and ability to contribute in multiple areas of the defense from the outset of his college career.
The 2020 season saw Williams continue his development with 27 tackles and a forced fumble, earning honorable mention all-Mountain West honors. His most prolific season with the Bulldogs came in 2021, when he tallied 92 tackles including 4.5 for losses, along with three interceptions. This outstanding performance earned him first-team all-Mountain West recognition. In his final season at Fresno State in 2022, Williams recorded 69 tackles with six going for losses, added a sack, and four pass deflections, earning second-team all-Mountain West honors. After the 2022 season, Williams made the decision to transfer programs.
Oregon Season (2023)
Williams joined the Oregon Ducks for his senior season in 2023, transitioning to the Pac-12 Conference. He immediately became a key component of Oregon’s defense, leading the team with 82 tackles. Williams also contributed 5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 pass deflections, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 forced fumble during the season. His all-around performance and leadership earned him second-team all-Pac-12 honors in his lone season with the Ducks. This productive final collegiate season positioned him well for the NFL Draft.
Green Bay Packers Era (2024–Present)
Williams was selected 111th overall by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL Draft, becoming the second of three safeties drafted by the Packers that year. The selection was part of Green Bay’s effort to rebuild their safety position, which included the signing of free-agent Xavier McKinney. Williams signed his rookie contract with the Packers on May 14, 2024, and quickly began competing for playing time in a revamped safety room.
By Week 4 of his rookie season, Williams had earned the starting safety position opposite McKinney, surpassing second-round pick Javon Bullard, who was moved to the slot/nickel corner position. His rapid ascent to starter reflected his preparation and ability to grasp the professional game’s demands. Williams maintained his role throughout the season and was recognized for his rookie performance by being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Playing Style and Strengths
Williams plays the safety position with solid instincts and physicality. His collegiate career demonstrated consistent tackling ability and the capacity to make plays in coverage. At 5 feet 11 inches and 200 pounds, he brings adequate size for the safety position in the NFL. His experience playing multiple seasons at a high level of competition, combined with his versatility to contribute against both the run and pass, gave him a foundation for NFL success. His ability to quickly learn the Packers’ defensive scheme enabled him to earn significant playing time as a rookie.
Notable Milestones
Williams achieved several notable milestones during his first professional season. Being selected in the NFL Draft represented the culmination of his journey from high school prospect to professional player. His rapid transition to starter with the Packers, earning the job over a higher-drafted teammate, marked a significant accomplishment. Earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors recognized his immediate impact at the professional level. These achievements established Williams as a promising young safety in the NFL.
Evan Williams Career Statistics
Williams compiled impressive statistical totals across his five collegiate seasons, combining his time at Fresno State and Oregon. His career trajectory showed consistent production and development year over year.
Collegiate Career Highlights
Over five collegiate seasons, Williams recorded a total of 310 tackles, including 10.5 for losses, with 4 interceptions and 8 pass deflections. His most productive statistical season came at Oregon in 2023 when he led the team in tackles. At Fresno State, his 2021 season stood out with 92 tackles and three interceptions while earning first-team all-conference honors. Williams demonstrated consistent playmaking ability throughout his college career, evident in his forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, and sack production. His progression from a productive college player to an NFL starter reflects his development and readiness for professional football.
2024 NFL Season Statistics
In his rookie NFL season with the Green Bay Packers, Williams recorded 149 total tackles, 8 pass deflections, 4 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. These statistics reflect a solid first season at the professional level and demonstrate his ability to contribute immediately as a rookie starter.
| Season | Team | Total Tackles | Interceptions | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Green Bay Packers | 149 | 4 | 8 |
Evan Williams Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Evan Williams comes from a football family through his brother Bennett Williams. Bennett also pursued football at the collegiate level, playing for Oregon and later joining the Canadian Football League. This family connection to football provided Evan with a support system and shared understanding of the demands of the sport from an early age. The brothers’ parallel football journeys reflect a family commitment to athletic pursuits.
Personal Life
Born and raised in Los Gatos, California, Williams attended high school locally at Saint Francis in Mountain View. His Northern California roots connect him to a region known for producing football talent. At 24 years old, Williams is early in both his professional career and personal development as he establishes himself with the Green Bay Packers organization.
2025 Season Performance
Following his successful rookie campaign, Williams enters the 2025 season as an established starter in the Green Bay Packers secondary. His performance in 2024 demonstrated his capability to handle significant playing time and contribute at a high level. The Packers’ defensive scheme should continue to benefit from his presence at safety alongside Xavier McKinney. As Williams gains more experience in his second NFL season, expectations include continued development in coverage, improved instincts, and leadership within the defensive backfield. His trajectory suggests he will remain a key component of Green Bay’s defense moving forward.