The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Hall of Honor
- Induction:
- 2013
- Class:
- 2003
A big, tall and athletic pass catcher, Roy Williams was one of the nation's top receivers and one of the most dominant in UT history over his four years as a starter. A three-time first-team All-Big 12 selection, Williams played in 50 games, including bowls, and started 42 contests during his career. He set UT career records for receptions (241), receiving yards (3,866), TD receptions (36) and 100-yard receiving games (16), all of which he currently maintains with the exception of now ranking just behind Jordan Shipley in receptions. He also caught a pass in a UT-record 47 consecutive games, and 49-of-50 career contests, including bowls. As a senior, Williams was voted UT's George "Hook" McCullough MVP after recording 70 receptions for 1,079 and nine touchdowns while starting all 13 games. Despite being slowed by an injury during his junior season, Williams played in 12 games, was tabbed honorable mention All-America by CNNSI.com, was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award and was consensus first-team All-Big 12. He shared team MVP honors that year as well after catching 64 passes for 1,142 yards and a then school-record 12 TDs. He also became just the third wide receiver in UT history to record 1,000 receiving yards at the time. As a sophomore, he earned the first of three first-team All-Big 12 honors while starting all 13 games with 67 receptions for 836 yards and seven touchdowns. That was preceded by his freshman season in which he earned second-team freshman All-America honors from The Sporting News with 40 catches for 809 yards and eight touchdowns. Following his UT career, Williams went on to be selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. He spent five seasons in Detroit, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2006, followed by three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys before concluding his career playing one season with the Chicago Bears in 2011. He finished his NFL career with 393 receptions, 5,715 receiving yards and 44 receiving TDs. During his Pro Bowl season in 2006, he recorded career highs of 82 receptions and 1,310 receiving yards. Williams is a native of Odessa, Texas, where he was an all-state selection at Permian High School. Williams has a son, Jordan, and daughter, Dallas. Since his retirement, he has focused his attention on the trucking company he owns and manages, RDub Trucking, in his hometown of Odessa.
