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After a stunning Lions win over the Packers Sunday at Lambeau Field to wrap up the NFL regular season, running back Jamaal Williams capped a memorable night with a memorable postgame interview following Detroit’s 20-16 win.
Williams, who spent his first four seasons at Green Bay, returned to his old stomping grounds to help the Lions topple their rival NFC North and prevent Aaron Rodgers and company from returning to the postseason. Williams capped the big win with a two-touchdown performance to beat Hall of Famer Barry Sanders’ (16) franchise record for fastest scores in a season. The sixth-year pro also broke 1,000 yards in the win for the first time in his career.
Speaking to NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark after the game, an emotional Williams dedicated his big day to his 92-year-old great-grandfather, who recently passed away.
“I dedicate this to him alone,” Williams tearfully told Stark. “I’m just proud, I’m just grateful to do that for him… I’m just grateful he’s in my life and I’m grateful to be able to play football and do that for him.”
As Williams did his best to regain his composure, the 27-year-old quickly flipped the switch back to beast mode and wiped away tears to send a message to anyone who doubted Detroit would go into the matchup. On Sunday night, the entire NBC crew, minus Tony Dungy, mostly predicted The Packers would beat the Lions during the pregame show.
“And one more thing, stop playing us man,” Williams continued. “We the Detroit Lions, we the Detroit Lions stop playing with us and I don’t even watch TV, but I’ve heard everyone already chose the Packers over us. Stop playing with us, that’s all I have to say, man. Don’t let those tears fool you, the whole pal surrounding this mug. I’m doing well.”
While Williams appeared reluctant to share his feelings further, it’s unlikely anyone would dare challenge his toughness, especially after his career year.
Against Green Bay, Williams recorded 16 carries for 72 yards and two TDs, his sixth multi-TD game of the season. Both of his results came on one-yard drops, with the first coming in the third quarter to give the Lions a 13-9 lead. But it was Williams’ second goal that ultimately made the difference as he found the end zone at 5:55 to play in the fourth quarter to give Detroit the winning edge.
Williams ended his second season with the Lions with a career-high 262 carries, 1,066 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. Despite missing the playoffs for the sixth straight season, the 2022 season is the Lions’ first winning season (9-8) since 2017.
