Former Longhorn AJ Williams transitions to the Professional Life

Aaron ”A J” Williams is playing his rookie year in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills.   Williams was selected by the Bills in the second round with the 34 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.  Williams is from Austin and attended McNeil High School and the University of Texas Longhorns.

Williams started, as a freshman, with the Longhorns and even returned an interception back for 81 yards and a touchdown.  In 2009 in his sophomore year, Williams played in 13 games, had 31 tackles, three quarterback sacks and three interceptions. Williams continued his stellar play in his junior and last year with the Longhorns, he had 45 tackles, one quarterback sack and two forced fumbles.

AJ’s transition from the Deep South of Texas to the blue collar city of Buffalo has been very smooth.  “The fans in Buffalo are a lot like the fans of the Longhorns.  They are hardcore and diehard fans that cheer you when you win and they cheer you when you lose”.  The transition from college player to a professional football player was easy because of the preparation by Mack Brown and the rest of the Longhorns coaching staff.

Williams is a very religious person and stated.” It is a blessing that I am here and I thank God for giving me the opportunity to live my dream and make it a reality.  I have to keep working hard and continue to contribute to the team as much as possible’.   Williams has played in five games and started two so far this year.  Even though Williams has not dressed for all games he is always ready and willing to encourage his fellow teammates all the time. 

AJ has used the power of social media to connect with his fans in Buffalo and Austin.  Williams is very active on tweeter and has used the application to keep up with friend, family and fans. On many occasions Williams would you tweeter to find out where is a good place to eat in his new city and to brag about his Longhorns or his former High School football team.  Williams also knows that being a professional there are certain responsibilities that must done.  When you are a professional you have the ability to say what you want to say at any time, but with that come consequences.    He is careful in what he states in public, and to try to be respectful to people all the time.

With five games left in the regular season and the Bills are continuing to fight for a playoff spot.  Winter has been very mild with only a few flurries here and there.  Buffalo can and will be a very wintry place to play football.  The Bills have three remaining home games and very likely that Williams will get a good dose of Buffalo snow before he returns to Texas for the offseason.