The Kansas City Chiefs made another addition on Monday, signing free agent running back Kerwynn Williams.
Here are five things to know about the newest Chief.
1. Williams spent the last four years with the Arizona Cardinals
Williams entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick (No. 230 overall) of the Indianapolis Colts in 2013 and appeared in one game that ensuing season. He was waived following his rookie campaign and signed with the Arizona Cardinals, where he went on to rush for 971 yards and four touchdowns over his four-year stint with the team.
2. He had the respect of the Cardinals' locker room
The Cardinals suffered a number of injuries at running back over the last few years, often thrusting Williams into the spotlight – even when he was dealing with injuries himself. Williams was nursing a cracked rib when the Cardinals lost Adrian Peterson to a neck injury last December, forcing the five-year veteran into action. He carried the ball 16 times for 97 yards that Sunday, earning the respect of his teammates in the process.
"He's pound-for-pound one of the toughest players on the team," running back Elijhaa Penny told Cardinals.com following the game.
All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald echoed that sentiment.
"I love Kerwynn to death," Fitzgerald said. "He's one of my favorite teammates. He's a guy who is always looked over, always trying to be replaced, always drafted over. He never allows that to affect his psyche, never allows that to affect his preparation. He's a wonderful teammate, and any time he has success, I think everybody just loves seeing him do it."
3. Williams had a career season in 2017
That breakout game in December was the first of several strong games for Williams as he took over the starting role in Peterson's stead. He logged career-highs in rushing attempts (120), rushing yards (426), receptions (10) and receiving yards (93) during the year, amassing 519 yards from scrimmage.
4. He has experience returning kicks
Williams has proven to be a valuable contributor on special teams over the course of his career. He returned 21 punts for 137 yards and 16 kickoffs for 326 yards as the Cardinals' primary return man last season.
5. He attended Utah State University
Speaking of returning kicks, Williams' 3,408 kick return yards are the most in Western Athletic Conference history. He was a jack of all trades for Utah State over his four-year career from 2009-12, accumulating 6,928 all-purpose yards.
