A big smile spread across Jameson Williams’ face when asked about reaching 1,000 receiving yards in a season for the first time. He made it by 1 yard late in the big win over the Vikings.
“It meant a lot, shoutout to my coaching staff for forcing that on me. I appreciate them a lot, it was huge to me and my people and my goals,’’ Williams said on Wednesday. “But I’m past that though, we’ve got three games left, I’m trying to focus on trying to get something on my fingers.”
By something, he means a Super Bowl ring.
The 1,000-yard mark was another milestone for the 2022 first-round pick who stumbled a bit out of the gate with an NFL suspension in each of his first two seasons — one for gambling, the other for using performance-enhancing drugs.
He has grown. It’s evident on the field and even when answering questions from the media.
Coach Dan Campbell used the word “love” four times in a reply on Thursday about his sense of pride in the wide receiver best known as Jamo.
“I’ve got a lot of pride with him. You know he’s one of those guys, man I love that kid. He’s had to endure a lot. Look, some of it is his own doing and he knows that. That’s what I appreciate, it took him a minute to buy into what we’re doing. He can be a little hard-headed and it’s also why you love him, it’s why I love him,’’ Campbell said.
“But he’s learned along the way and he’s grown. What is the best thing he’s done? When he dropped the armor, he endeared himself to his teammates. He became part of the team, that took place last year, towards the end of last year. He could start to feel it and it’s only gotten better and better and better. Every one of these that’s happened, he’s grown he’s learning from it. I love where he’s at, I really do, I’m proud of him,’’ the coach added.
Campbell has been patient and honest with the 23-year-old Williams along the way.The coach also credits the support Williams has had from coaches, staff and teammates.
Along with his 1,001 receiving yards, this season he had three touchdown catches in the last four games and overall had seven receiving and one rushing touchdown
In the heart-breaking NFC Championship loss at San Francisco last January, Williams had a 42-yard rushing touchdown early and a 3-yard touchdown reception late.
All eyes were on him and the Lions. It will be the same on Saturday night in the divisional round against the Washington Commanders.
“We all have the same mindset, we don’t look at it like we’re the No. 1 seed or we’re the best team. We still practice and play like we mean it, we still try to go out there and get a win and play hard for our brothers next to us,’’ Williams said. “… We’ve still got that grittiness. It’s playoffs, you’ve got to go out and get a win or you’ll be on the couch.’’
(UP NEXT: Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions, 8 p.m. on Saturday at Ford Field.)
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