Aug 14, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive back Trill Williams (51) walks back to the locker room after warmups before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
Trill Williams, formerly a cornerback for the Miami Dolphins, is shifting gears to pursue a career in professional wrestling. Reports suggest the 24-year-old has signed with WWE, marking a new chapter in his journey.
Williams made a subtle debut during Tuesday night’s episode of WWE NXT, appearing in the background and hinting at his future with the wrestling giant.
“Growing up, the first thing I ever wanted to do was be a wrestler,” Williams shared on The Dive Bar podcast in August. “A lot of people can’t say that they went to a WWE tryout — that’s a blessing in itself. I had a great time, I had a great experience. And if that’s in the cards for me, then it’s in the cards for me.”
Williams’ promising start to NFL journey was riddled with challenges
Williams, a former defensive back for Syracuse University, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2021. Initially picked up by the New Orleans Saints, he was waived shortly after and signed by the Dolphins. Williams made the 53-man roster as a rookie and appeared in one regular season game, playing just 19 snaps.
Hopes for a stronger 2022 campaign were dashed when Williams tore his ACL during the preseason, sidelining him for the entire year. After a tough recovery period, the Dolphins waived him during the 2023 training camp.
Despite the setbacks, Williams’ athleticism and charisma might make him a natural fit for the wrestling world.
Former NFL stars who’ve found success in WWE
Trill Williams isn’t the first NFL player to transition into professional wrestling. WWE has seen several football players make their mark in the squared circle.
Baron Corbin, a former WWE talent, had stints with the Indianapolis Colts (2009) and Arizona Cardinals (2010-2011) before becoming a wrestling mainstay.
On the flip side, wrestling icon Brock Lesnar tried his hand at the NFL, briefly joining the Minnesota Vikings, although he was released during the preseason.
Roman Reigns, currently one of WWE‘s biggest stars, also has a football background. He had tryouts with the Vikings and Jaguars before spending a season with the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos.
Williams’ leap from the gridiron to the ring is a bold move, but if his determination matches his athletic ability, he may soon find himself making waves in the wrestling world.
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Image: © Jon Durr-Imagn Images
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