Doug Williams

Bio

Just five games into his freshman year, Doug Williams became the starting quarterback for Grambling. He led the Tigers to an 11-1 record and the first of three Southwestern Athletic Conference championships during his four seasons as a starter. The Tigers had a 35-5 record overall with Doug in the lineup. In 1977, he led the nation in touchdown passes, 38, and passing yards, 3,286. His longest touchdown pass plays were 94 yards against Temple, 91 against Alcorn State, and 85 against Prairie View. He was named All-America quarterback by the Associated Press and was fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting. These major college honors came with Grambling being classified as non-major team. Williams was named Black College Player of the Year twice. His career totals were NCAA records in passing yards, 8,411, total offense yards 8,354 and touchdown passes 93. On December 4, 1977, he led Grambling to a 35-32 victory over Temple in a game at Tokyo, Japan. In 1978, Williams was drafted in the first round (17th overall) of the 1978 NFL Draft. Williams became the first African-American quarterback taken in the first round. His first preseason pass, a 75-yard incompletion that sailed 10 yards past receiver Isaac Hagins, drew a standing ovation from the Tampa Stadium crow. in 1984, Williams left Tampa and joined the Oklahoma Outlaws in the USFL. He returned to the NFL with Washington, initially as a back up, then as a starter. He was named Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXII on January 30, 1988 as he led the Redskins to victory. Williams twice returned to Grambling as head football coach, the first time succeeding the legendary Eddie Robinson.

Career Highlights

• 1977 All-Conference
• 1977 First Team All-America (FBS, FCS, HBCU)
• 1977 Heisman - Fourth
• 1976 First Team All-America (HBCU)