| Name | College Attended | Degree(s) Earned | Field of Study/Major | Graduation Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doug Williams | Grambling State University | B.S. in Health and Physical Education | Health and Physical Education | 1977 |
Educational Journey
Doug Williams attended Grambling State University, a historically black public university in Grambling, Louisiana. He played under the legendary coach Eddie Robinson, who had a profound impact on his life and career. Williams was a star quarterback for the Grambling State Tigers, leading them to three Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championships and a 36-7 record as a four-year starter. He was named Black College Player of the Year twice and finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1977. He also set several NCAA records, including most passing yards (3,286), most touchdown passes (38), and highest yards per play (8.6) in a single season12.
Williams graduated from Grambling State University in 1977 with a B.S. degree in health and physical education. He was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the 17th overall pick in the 1978 NFL Draft, becoming the first African American quarterback to be drafted in the first round3. He went on to have a successful NFL career, most notably with the Washington Redskins, where he won Super Bowl XXII and was named Super Bowl MVP.
Early Life and Background
Doug Williams was born on August 9, 1955, in Zachary, Louisiana. He was the sixth of eight children of Robert and Laura Williams. His father was a sugar cane farmer and his mother was a domestic worker. Williams grew up in a poor and segregated community, where he faced racism and discrimination. He attended Chaneyville High School, where he initially played as a linebacker before switching to quarterback. He excelled in both football and basketball, earning All-State honors in both sports4.
Williams had a passion for football from an early age and dreamed of playing in the NFL. He idolized Joe Namath, the quarterback of the New York Jets, who inspired him to wear number 12. He also admired James Harris, the first African American quarterback to start an NFL season opener, who played for Grambling State University under Eddie Robinson. Williams received several scholarship offers from various colleges, but he chose to follow Harris’ footsteps and attend Grambling State University5.
Post-College Journey
Williams’ college education prepared him for a remarkable NFL career that spanned over a decade. He played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1978 to 1982, leading them to three playoff appearances and one NFC Championship Game. He then joined the Oklahoma/Arizona Outlaws of the United States Football League (USFL) from 1984 to 1985, where he continued to showcase his skills as a quarterback. After the USFL folded, he signed with the Washington Redskins in 1986 as a backup to Jay Schroeder. In 1987, he replaced Schroeder as the starter and led the Redskins to Super Bowl XXII against the Denver Broncos.
In Super Bowl XXII, Williams made history by becoming the first African American quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl. He also delivered one of the greatest performances ever seen in a Super Bowl, throwing for 340 yards and four touchdowns in a 42-10 victory over the Broncos. He set two Super Bowl records: most passing yards in a quarter (228) and most touchdown passes in a quarter (4). He also overcame a knee injury that forced him to miss most of the first quarter. For his outstanding performance, he was named Super Bowl MVP67.
Williams retired from the NFL after the 1989 season with 16,998 passing yards, 100 touchdown passes, and a 69.4 passer rating. He then pursued a coaching career at various levels, including high school, college, and professional football. He coached at Northeast High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; U.S. Naval Academy; Scottish Claymores; Morehouse College; and Grambling State University (twice). He also served as an executive for several teams, including Jacksonville Jaguars; Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Virginia Destroyers; Washington Redskins; Washington Football Team; and Washington Commanders89.
Impact and Significance
Williams’ college education and NFL career have made him a trailblazer and a role model for many aspiring African American quarterbacks. He broke several barriers and stereotypes that limited the opportunities and recognition for black quarterbacks in the NFL. He proved that black quarterbacks could be successful, intelligent, and capable of leading their teams to championships. He also inspired many young black athletes to pursue their dreams of playing football at the highest level.
Williams has received numerous honors and accolades for his achievements, both on and off the field. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor in 2015, and the Washington Redskins Ring of Fame in 2015. He also founded the Doug Williams Foundation in 1988, which provides college scholarships to deserving students. He has been involved in various charitable and community initiatives, such as mentoring youth, promoting education, and fighting racism1011.
Williams has also been vocal about his college experience and how it shaped his life and career. He has expressed his gratitude and admiration for his college coach Eddie Robinson, who taught him not only football skills, but also life lessons. He has also praised his alma mater Grambling State University for providing him with a quality education and a supportive environment. He has said that his college years were some of the best years of his life and that he is proud to be a Grambling State Tiger1213.
Interesting Anecdotes
Here are some interesting anecdotes from Williams’ college years:
- Williams once threw nine touchdown passes in a single game against Southern University in 1977, tying an NCAA record that still stands today14.
- Williams was nicknamed “The Sheriff” by his teammates at Grambling State University because he wore a cowboy hat and boots and carried a toy gun15.
- Williams met his future wife Raunda Ashner at Grambling State University, where she was a cheerleader. They married in 1982 and have eight children together16.
Relevance to Today’s Students
Williams’ college journey is relevant to today’s students who aspire to pursue their passions and achieve their goals. Williams faced many challenges and obstacles in his life, such as poverty, racism, discrimination, injuries, and doubts. However, he never gave up on his dreams and worked hard to overcome them. He used his college education as a stepping stone to success and excellence. He also used his platform as a football player and a coach to make a positive impact on society.
Students can learn from Williams’ example and apply some of his lessons to their own lives. Here are some of them:
- Choose a college that suits your needs, interests, and aspirations. Williams chose Grambling State University because it offered him a quality education, a strong football program, and a mentor in Eddie Robinson.
- Make the most of your college experience. Williams excelled academically and athletically at Grambling State University. He also participated in extracurricular activities, made friends, and had fun.
- Be confident in your abilities and potential. Williams believed in himself and his talents as a quarterback. He did not let anyone tell him what he could or could not do.
- Be resilient and adaptable. Williams faced many setbacks and changes in his career, such as injuries, trades, contracts, and retirements. He always bounced back and adjusted to new situations.
- Be humble and grateful. Williams always thanked his coaches, teammates, family, and fans for their support and guidance. He also gave back to his community and helped others in need.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Doug Williams went to college at Grambling State University, where he had a stellar football career under coach Eddie Robinson. He graduated with a B.S. degree in health and physical education in 1977. He then went on to have a remarkable NFL career, most notably with the Washington Redskins, where he won Super Bowl XXII and was named Super Bowl MVP. He also had a successful coaching career at various levels of football. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest African American quarterbacks of all time.
Williams’ college journey is an inspiring story of perseverance, excellence, and impact. He overcame many challenges and achieved many milestones in his life and career. He also used his education and fame to make a difference in the world. He is a role model for many students who want to follow their dreams and reach their potential.
We hope you enjoyed this article about Doug Williams’ college journey. Stay tuned for more articles about other famous people’s educational journeys!