Avery Williams Bio
Avery Williams (born July 15, 1998) is an American professional football running back and return specialist who has competed in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Boise State Broncos, where he developed into one of the most dangerous return men in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Williams was born to Pam Veasey and Marvin Williams in Pasadena, California, and built his reputation on speed, instincts, and special teams value. He entered the NFL in 2021 and has since contributed primarily as a return specialist and depth running back for several organizations.
Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 195 pounds, Williams has carved out a role that emphasizes versatility and field position. His professional journey has included stops with the Atlanta Falcons, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the New York Jets. He is widely recognized for his punt and kickoff return ability, a skill set that earned him consensus first-team All-American honors during his final college season.
Early Life and Background
Avery Williams was born on July 15, 1998, in Pasadena, California, to Pam Veasey and Marvin Williams. He is of Mexican descent through his grandmother, a heritage that has shaped his family identity. Williams grew up in the Pasadena area and originally attended Saint Francis High School before transferring to JSerra Catholic High School before his senior year, a move that helped him showcase his athletic abilities on a larger stage.
During his senior season at JSerra Catholic, Williams delivered a standout performance on both sides of the ball. He rushed for 1,175 yards and 14 touchdowns as a running back and was equally effective on defense as an All-Area selection at defensive back. His efforts earned him Trinity League co-Most Valuable Player honors. Despite his production, Williams received no scholarship offers to play college football, a setback that ultimately directed him toward Boise State, where he was offered a chance to join the program as a preferred walk-on.
Path to American Football
Williams joined the Boise State Broncos as a walk-on, choosing a program that gave him an opportunity to compete despite the absence of a scholarship. He redshirted his true freshman year and quickly earned recognition by being named the Special Teams Scout Team Player of the Year during that redshirt season. The coaching staff awarded him a scholarship during fall preseason training camp in 2017, validating the work he had put in during his developmental year.
As a redshirt freshman, Williams earned a starting role at cornerback while also serving as the team’s punt and kick returner. He finished that season with two interceptions, eight passes broken up, and two punt returns for touchdowns, performances that earned him second-team All-Mountain West Conference recognition. That breakout year established the foundation for his evolution into one of the premier return specialists in college football and set the stage for a decorated career at Boise State.
Avery Williams Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
Williams continued to progress at Boise State, building on his early success with steady production. As a redshirt sophomore, he recorded 49 tackles, 11 passes defended, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles while also returning a kickoff for a touchdown, earning honorable mention All-Mountain West honors. His junior year brought 39 tackles, four passes broken up, and 22 punt returns for 290 yards and two touchdowns, earning him another honorable mention All-Mountain West selection.
His senior season represented the pinnacle of his college career. Williams returned 19 kickoffs for 533 yards and two touchdowns and added 15 punts for 229 yards and two touchdowns. He tied the NCAA Division I career record with nine return touchdowns and was named first-team All-Mountain West, Conference Special Teams Player of the Year, and a consensus first-team All-American as an all-purpose player. He also won the 2020 Jet Award, given to the nation’s best return specialist.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2021–2024)
Williams was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round, 183rd overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract with Atlanta on June 15, 2021, and immediately carved out a role as the Falcons’ primary kick and punt returner. He also served as a core special teamer and gunner during his first professional season, demonstrating the versatility that had made him a draftable prospect.
In the 2022 offseason, the Falcons moved Williams to running back, returning him to his primary offensive position from high school. The transition was interrupted on June 7, 2023, when head coach Arthur Smith announced that Williams had torn his ACL during organized team activities, causing him to miss the entire 2023 season. He was placed on injured reserve on June 16, 2023, and spent the year recovering.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2025)
On March 15, 2025, Williams signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, seeking a fresh opportunity after his Atlanta tenure. The move gave him a chance to compete for a role in a new organization, though the depth chart proved challenging. He was released on August 26, 2025, as part of the Eagles’ final roster cuts, ending his time in Philadelphia before the regular season began.
New York Jets Era (2025)
Following his release from Philadelphia, Williams signed with the New York Jets’ practice squad on October 3, 2025. The move allowed him to remain in the league and continue developing his professional career. He was released by the Jets on October 14, 2025, after a brief stint with the organization.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Williams’ career came during his senior season at Boise State, when he tied the NCAA Division I career record with nine return touchdowns. His consensus first-team All-American selection and Jet Award win that year cemented his legacy as one of the most accomplished return men in college football history. His fifth-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons marked the transition from college standout to professional player.
Avery Williams Career Wins
While Williams is not primarily known for a long list of headline statistical victories at the professional level, his career has been defined by consistent production in the return game and valuable special teams contributions. His collegiate achievements include tying the NCAA Division I career record for return touchdowns and earning consensus first-team All-American honors, accomplishments that highlight his playmaking ability. At the professional level, he has served as a primary return man and depth running back, contributing to team success through field position and special teams reliability.
Avery Williams Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Avery Williams was raised by his mother, Pam Veasey, and his father, Marvin Williams, in Pasadena, California. He is of Mexican descent through his grandmother, a heritage that has been a meaningful part of his family identity. The support of his parents was instrumental in his development as an athlete, particularly during the uncertainty of his recruitment, when he received no scholarship offers before walking on at Boise State.
Personal Life
Williams maintains a presence on social media, where he connects with fans under the handle @big_ave21 on X and @averywilliamsaw on Instagram. His personal life has remained largely private, with limited public information available regarding relationships or children. He continues to focus on his professional football career while staying connected to his family roots in California.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a period of transition for Avery Williams, marked by movement between several organizations. After signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in March, he competed throughout the offseason and preseason for a roster spot but was released in late August as part of final cuts. The release opened the door for him to sign with the New York Jets’ practice squad in early October, allowing him to remain active in the league.
Williams was released by the Jets on October 14, 2025, ending a brief stint with the organization. Despite the challenges of the year, he has demonstrated the resilience and adaptability that have defined his career, remaining ready to contribute wherever an opportunity arises. His special teams background and experience as a return specialist continue to make him a valuable asset for teams in need of field-position help.