For a second consecutive week, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed his unwavering support for suspended wide receiver Jameson Williams during his Wednesday news conference. Campbell defended Williams as new details emerged about an off-field incident, which may lead to his arrest.
“I judge people by what’s in their heart, and I know what this kid’s made of. He’s worth sticking with,” Campbell said.
According to Fox 2 in Detroit, prosecutors are examining whether Williams should face charges following an Oct. 8 traffic stop involving his brother. During the stop, officers discovered two firearms in the vehicle; one registered to Williams was found under his seat, but he lacked the necessary concealed carry license for Michigan.
Campbell shared that Williams informed the team about the incident right after it happened. When asked about the possibility of Williams facing a third NFL suspension, Campbell acknowledged, “It doesn’t look great. But this is about his decision-making, and he knows he needs to be more careful. He’ll learn from this, and he’s grown a lot.”
This season, Williams has recorded 17 catches for 361 yards and three touchdowns across six games.
Campbell’s message this Wednesday echoed his previous week’s response to Williams’ recent suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. On Oct. 23, Campbell affirmed the team’s belief in Williams and their commitment to support him through his suspension, saying, “I trust this kid. He made a mistake, and he’s facing the consequences. If anything more comes of this, so be it. But we’re here for him, and I know he’ll work his way back.”
In 2023, the 23-year-old received a four-game suspension for betting on non-NFL games while at a team facility. While the NFL hasn’t stated whether Williams will be suspended again, the league can impose suspensions for off-field behavior, especially with repeated negative publicity.
A former first-round pick, 12th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft from Alabama, Williams missed 11 games his rookie season due to an ACL injury. In his 24 career games, he’s tallied 42 receptions on 81 targets, gaining 756 yards and six touchdowns.
