FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Giovanni Williams has watched from the sidelines as his older siblings forged promising careers in the NFL, playing side by side for the New York Jets. Now, the young linebacker has his own shot to join them and potentially create a unique chapter in sports history.
Following in the footsteps of his brothers — defensive tackle Quinnen and linebacker Quincy — Giovanni finds himself donning a Jets jersey during the team’s rookie minicamp. Although he was undrafted out of Miles College, a Division II historically Black college in Alabama, his ambition is undeterred.
“It feels good, but also bittersweet,” Williams admitted after a practice session on Saturday. “It’s hard to step out from beneath their shadow, form my own identity, but it’s really rewarding. Playing the same position as Quincy means I can lean on him for advice and it’s like we are competing all over again. Just like back home, it’s a big competition.”
Should he succeed, the Jets could make history as the first NFL team in almost a century to have three brothers on their active roster. The last occurrence dates back to the 1927 Duluth Eskimos, when the Rooney brothers — Bill, Cobb, and Joe — played together.
“This would be significant for me,” Williams said. Summing up his thoughts, he added, “Being coachable and ready makes it special. Joining my brothers on the team would be incredible; it’d be a historical moment.”
While there is still much ground to cover, getting onto the field with fellow Jets rookies is a promising start for Giovanni. “Just having him here is fantastic,” remarked coach Aaron Glenn. “He’s putting in hard work to make this a reality.”
Quinnen, who joined the Jets in 2019 as a first-round draft pick from Alabama, has already established himself with All-Pro and multiple Pro Bowl selections. Quincy, drafted by Jacksonville in the same year out of Murray State, has also made remarkable strides in his position.
Giovanni’s journey took a different route: he spent time at Texas A&M Kingsville before transferring to Miles College. In his last season, despite a broken hand, he managed 29 tackles and a sack, contributing to his team’s conference victory.
Reflecting on his size, Giovanni labeled himself the “hybrid” of his brothers: “I’m the middle-ground — Quincy’s speed with Quinnen’s build. In high school, though, I weighed 350 pounds. I was bigger than Quinnen!”
A series of transformative months followed, during which he dramatically reduced his weight, eventually bulking up to a muscular 220 pounds to fit the linebacker profile. “Seeing old photos, it’s wild considering where I started,” he said.
With a call from his agent offering a tryout with the Jets, Giovanni found himself on an NFL field. “I just need to focus, do my best, and embrace whatever comes my way,” he concluded optimistically.