Former Cowboys Defensive Tackle Kevin Williams Set To Go in Vikings Ring of Honor
(This story comes from the Vikings and Vikings website reporter Eric Smith.)
EAGAN, Minn. — Kevin Williams played 13 total seasons in the NFL, including 11 for the Vikings during which he punished opposing quarterbacks, dominated offensive linemen and shut down running backs.
He was essentially ready for anything, and all the work he put in cemented his status as one of the top defensive tackles in franchise history.
He formed half of a famous "wall" and now will be a permanent part of future Vikings game days as the newest member of the Vikings Ring of Honor.
Williams was surprised with the news Wednesday morning at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center by Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf, Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf and Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman.
"You're one of the Legends, and Legends helped build our franchise," Mark Wilf said. "You've been such a great player on and off the field, 11 seasons for the Minnesota Vikings, you always gave it your all. We're so appreciative, and it's really a great honor that we're here to tell you that you're going to be put into the Vikings Ring of Honor."
Williams' surprise reaction featured a touch of his Southern twang.
"Appreciate it. Y'all done tricked me over here," said Williams, who had been flown into town by the team under the guise of participating in a couple of initiatives and attend Wednesday's practice.
"When I became an owner 16 years ago, I was a young owner, and you were a young All-Pro," Zygi Wilf recalled. "You were really the first superstar we had on our team, and the way you handled yourself and dealt with us owners and with your teammates, especially, and your desire to be the best in the game really made me proud to be that young owner.
"Now, I'm an old owner, and you're still looking good," he added before joking, "If you want to try out, the door is open. We have enough room. Do we have enough cap room?"
Williams said he might still have "10 or 12 plays" left.
"We're very proud to have you in the Ring of Honor. You're really the first guy that we became owners to who is in the Ring of Honor. Congratulations to you and your family."
Spielman asked Williams of his immediate feelings on the news.
"My emotions are kind of everywhere. I don't like surprises, really, so I'm kind of at a loss for words, but the Vikings raised me, a young kid from Oklahoma State and Arkansas. I had to grow up. I bleed Purple. I still cheer for these guys every week."
Williams, who wore Purple from 2003-2013, will be the 26th member of the Vikings Ring of Honor. He is the third defensive tackle, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Alan Page and John Randle.
A six-time Pro Bowler, Williams helped transform Minnesota's defense into a stout unit.
The Vikings defense ranked in the top 10 in yards allowed per game four times from 2006-2010, with Williams making the Pro Bowl after all five of those seasons.
Williams appeared in 171 regular-season games for the Vikings. According to team records, Williams' 685 career tackles are the fifth-most among Minnesota defensive linemen, and his 75.5 tackles for loss rank eighth among all Vikings players.
A playmaker through and through, Williams totaled 60 sacks (tied for ninth-most in team history), five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), eight forced fumbles and 13 fumble recoveries (two returned for touchdowns).
Williams played at Oklahoma State from 1999-2002 and started out on a 3-8 team that won one conference game and finished on a Houston Bowl team that clobbered Southern Miss. Williams had 160 tackles, 38 tackles for loss, and 18.5 sacks during his career in Stillwater.