Is the Wide Receiver Name Mike Williams Cursed In The NFL?

Apr 28, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers first round pick Mike Williams poses for photos during a press conference at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s fair to start wondering something at this point. If a man holds the name Mike Williams and plays wide receiver in the NFL, he might be cursed.

That may sound like a joke. Once upon a time it would’ve been but a new development is fast changing that narrative. As of this past April there have now been four players with the name Mike Williams who either played or are playing in pro football. Three of them thus far had unremarkable careers despite lofty expectations. Yet for one reason or another it all blew up in their faces. Is the same happening to the latest version?

Here’s a breakdown to find out.

Mike Williams (10th round, Los Angeles Rams, 1989)

He was the first of them all, and as it turns out the most unremarkable. This Williams was a late round prospect who didn’t even make the roster in Los Angeles as a rookie. He became a journeyman who landed a backup and special teams role with the Miami Dolphins for five seasons.

Mike Williams (1st round, Detroit Lions, 2005)

To date he’s the most notable of the Williams busts. This was the pick that really put then-Lions GM Matt Millen in boiling hot water because it was the third-straight year he’d selected a wide receiver in the 1st round. So unless the young man excelled, it was bad for everybody. Needless to say it didn’t go well. Williams managed just 37 catches for 449 yards in 22 games with Detroit before he was eventually cut. He suffered primarily from conditioning issues that dogged him for years afterward.

Mike Williams (4th round, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2010)

Being a later round pick the expectations weren’t as high for this Williams coming in. However, he changed that with over 900 yards in two of his first three seasons with Tampa Bay. People believed he was about ready to take off. Then it all went wrong. He signed a brand new contract, immediately injured his hamstring, was traded to Buffalo and got suspended for six games. It was a total fall from grace after such a wonderful start.

Mike Williams (1st round, Los Angeles Chargers, 2017)

The Chargers made him the 7th overall pick in the draft this year. He was widely viewed by many as the best in the class. A big body with long arms, strong hands and plenty of athleticism. He might be the go-to target that Philip Rivers has missed. Now that curse may be hot on his trail as well after news broke Williams would miss the remainder of offseason with a disc herniation in his back. People can dismiss it as a mild setback, but in the context of this article?

Yeah it feels like this may not end up going the way people hoped.

Home/NFL Hot Takes