· Teddy Williams meets with media following Thursday's practice
Teddy Williams' NFL journey with the Dallas Cowboys began on Thursday afternoon at the Alamodome (photo by Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News).
SAN ANTONIO — Four-time track & field All-American Teddy Williams fulfilled a life-long childhood dream on Thursday when he signed a contract with the Dallas Cowboys. Williams, who will begin his National Football League (NFL) career at defensive back and wear No. 29, is on the field for the Cowboys' 2:15 p.m. practice at the Alamodome. The terms of the deal were not released.
“I just want to thank Jerry Jones and the entire Dallas Cowboys organization for giving me the opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream,” Williams said. “I’m anxious to get started and looking forward to this new challenge in my life. I wouldn’t be at this point without the help of the UTSA football coaching staff. They’ve worked with me the last month and helped me get ready for this opportunity. I also want to thank Coach (Aaron) Fox for helping put me in a position to realize my dream of playing football. He took a chance on me four years ago and I wouldn’t be here today without his guidance and support.”
The Tyler native not only finished his career as UTSA's lone four-time All-American, but he also helped lead the Roadrunners to six Southland Conference Championships (four indoor/two outdoor) from 2007-10. Williams claimed nine Southland titles (five indoor/four outdoor), was twice named the league's Indoor Athlete of the Year (2009-10) as well as Outdoor Outstanding Track Performer (2008, '10) and established UTSA records in the 55m (6.23a), 60m (Southland-best 6.59), 100m (9.90w), 200m (20.60w) and 400m relay (39.59).
The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder last played on the gridiron as a senior at John Tyler High School. A three-year starter at wide receiver from 2003-05, he missed the last five games of his final season with a broken ankle. He was a second-team all-state selection as a junior and a three-time all-district honoree.
“This is an exciting and historic day for UTSA Athletics,” said Aaron Fox, the Roadrunners' director of track & field/cross country. “I’m so proud of Teddy, not only for what he accomplished as a track athlete last four years, but for becoming the first professional football player in school history. I wish him nothing but the best as he chases his childhood dream.”
The Cowboys will remain in the Alamo City until Friday, Aug. 6, which is two days before they begin preseason play against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL’s annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.