D.J. Williams called “inspiring” for efforts to fight domestic violence
Newswise — D.J. Williams, who overcame a chaotic childhood to become a star student-athlete and a passionate advocate for domestic abuse awareness, heard his name called twice during The Home Depot College Football Awards program.
The University of Arkansas Razorback senior received the Mackey Award, given to the best tight end in college football.
A short time later he was honored with the Disney Spirit Award, given annually to college football’s most inspirational figure.
The awards were presented during the nationally televised live ESPN program at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando on Thursday, Dec. 9.
“D.J. Williams exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete and a Razorback,” Chancellor G. David Gearhart said. “He demonstrates high character both on and off the field, and has turned unfortunate circumstances into opportunities to help and educate others. That is the mark of a generous spirit and remarkable young man.”
Williams suffered through a childhood fractured by an alcoholic, drug-addicted and abusive father and eventually broke free along with his mother, Vicky, and sister, Vanessa, who together fled their Dallas home. Another older sister, Valerie, had already moved away by that time.
Advised by officials that a local shelter was too dangerous, Vicky opened a map and turned to D.J., only 11 at the time, to pick a city outside of Texas. His finger landed on Little Rock, Ark. His father, who D.J. hasn’t spoken to since the day his family left, later received concurrent prison sentences for separate convictions unrelated to D.J. and his family.
Williams accepted the award on behalf of his mother, sisters and the entire Razorback family.
“Watching my mother, who never quit, is the inspiration for me each day and a lesson for us all,” Williams said. “My hope is the story of my family will show those who are experiencing a similar ordeal that they are not alone and there is help and a way out. To be recognized by Disney Sports and to join the list of recipients of this award is humbling and a blessing I’ll share with my family.”
From participation in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program, to the local Boys & Girls Clubs and Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Williams has demonstrated he has a big heart and a passion for giving back to his community. He has used his stature as a prominent college football player to raise awareness and inspire others to abandon troubled relationships and seek help.
“D.J. Williams is an outstanding young man who has represented his family, the University of Arkansas and the entire state with tremendous integrity throughout his Razorback career,” said Jeff Long, vice chancellor and director of athletics. “He has fully embraced all aspects of being a student-athlete and has used his notoriety as a Razorback to help others. By openly sharing their own experiences with domestic abuse, D.J. and his family have helped provide hope and inspiration to many, including those who may be dealing with similar circumstances. We are extremely proud that D.J. Williams has been recognized as this year’s Disney Spirit Award winner.” Last year, Williams received the inaugural Razorback Spirit Award, given annually by the Arkansas athletic department to the Razorback whose performance throughout their career serves to uplift their sport to new heights and whose character exemplifies the ideals of the athletic department.
An All-SEC pick the past two seasons, Williams was a John Mackey Award semifinalist (given to the country’s best tight end) as a sophomore in 2008 and again in 2010. He also was named to numerous preseason All-America teams prior to the 2010 season.
Williams will make his final appearance as an Arkansas Razorback on Jan. 4 in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
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