Deontai Williams


Deontai Williams Sr. is an American professional football defensive back for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. He played college football at Jones County Junior College and Nebraska. He has also been a member of the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL.

Early life

Williams played high school football at Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida. His father, Roosevelt Williams, was also a football player.

College career

Williams played college football at Jones County Junior College. He played one game in 2016, recording four tackles and one fumble recovery before suffering a season-ending injury and being redshirted. He appeared in 10 games in 2017, totaling 26 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Williams transferred to play at Nebraska from 2018 to 2021. He missed most of the 2019 season due to injury. He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference honors in 2020 after accumulating 51 tackles, 1.0 sack, four pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Williams recorded 46 tackles, four interceptions and three pass breakups in 2021, garnering
honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition.

Professional career

Seattle Seahawks

Williams signed with the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League on May 6, 2022. He was released on August 30, 2022.

Saskatchewan Roughriders

Williams was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League on January 9, 2023. He was moved to the practice roster on June 4, promoted to the active roster on June 15, placed on injured reserve on September 14, and activated from injured reserve on October 6, 2023. He played in 14 games, all starts, for the Roughriders in 2023, recording 41 tackles on defense, six special teams tackles and one interception. He became a free agent upon the expiry of his contract on February 11, 2025.

BC Lions

On February 11, 2025, it was announced that Williams had signed with the BC Lions.