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Looking Back And Forging Ahead

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Story by Chris Kuhn

Published: October 8, 2007

Carnell Williams knows that success on the field depends on a team's dynamics as much as players' individual talent. "For every team you play on year in and year out, the chemistry of the team is new, that bond is different," the Bucs third-year running back says. "Every season, I look forward to bonding with all of the players and hitting the road."

Williams spent his summer preparing for a new season with serious physical workouts and much-needed down time in Arizona with friends and former college teammates Ronnie Brown and Carlos Rogers, friendships that are among his most treasured from his record-setting Auburn years. "The friendships from those days, like Ronnie and Carlos who are still my very good friends, mean a lot to me. And the first Iron Bowl I played in, where I went for 80 yards on the opening drive. Those were memorable times."

To Williams, a future in pro football seemed inevitable. Nicknamed Cadillac during his high school days by a local sportscaster for his smooth and steady running, he looked to heroes like Chicago running back and hall-of-
famer Walter Payton for a model of success he could emulate. "Payton was the guy I watched and wanted to be like," he says. "I idolized not only his accomplishments on the field but also his accomplishments off the field."

With the support of what he calls "one big happy family" which includes mom Sherry, dad Aaron and four brothers and four sisters, the Alabama native's future only got brighter when he stepped onto the field at Auburn.
"When I was there, I could really see myself going to the NFL, breaking records and winning championships," he says. "I always felt like this was destiny, like this was what I was meant to do."

That determination didn't wane as he started his rookie year as the first-round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He quickly drew attention setting records during his first few pro games, becoming the first NFL running back to deliver consecutive 100-yard performances in his first three games. A debut season of breaking records and making history resulted in being named Offensive Rookie of the Year by The Associated Press.

He recalls that first pro touchdown and an unexpected turn of events that followed. "I remember getting loose on an open field and thinking 'I can't get caught, I can't get caught!' I always said that I wanted to keep my first touchdown ball but I threw it in the stands. I remember the equipment guy coming up to me after the game and asking 'where's the football?' I told him and fortunately, one of the Viking fans actually gave it back to me."

Now in his third year as a pro, Williams brings that same drive and determination to a new season with the Bucs. After a season-ending foot injury, he's back and working out harder than ever.

So what's a typical week of training for the 25-year-old? Weight training starts on Monday along with running or biking followed by a massage to ease any soreness from Sunday's game. On Tuesday, players have a day off during which many of them work with local groups helping the community. By Wednesday, players are back to practice and Williams resumes his weight training regimen. Thursday serves as more of a cool-down period following two tough days of practice with Friday allowing time for a small workout as well as a second weekly massage to keep any back aches in check.

During the season, Williams stays involved with local organizations, welcoming youth from the Boys and Girls Clubs, Brookwood Florida and the Department of Juvenile Justice's Polk House to home games through his Cadillac's Kids program. The program sponsors 24 kids by providing tickets to attend that week's home game. "There are occasions where I'll meet with the kids afterward, especially if it's someone who really needs that special attention," he says. Williams also stays involved with the Tampa Bay community by taking part in local charity events hosted by fellow Bucs players.

When Williams returns to the Bay area, he enjoys hanging out with teammate Michael Clayton and taking part in his other favorite activity: bowling. In fact, he and several other players on the team have an ongoing bowling competition and he insists that if he weren't on the football field every week, he'd explore a professional bowling career.

Bowling aspirations and NFL record-breaking goals aside, Williams is a confident young man who has priorities for the many possibilities that lie ahead. "I'd like to run my own business someday," he says. "And find ways I can personally help out younger kids."

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