Kevin Williams signs one-day contract with Vikings, retires from NFL
Courtesy: Minnesota Vikings
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (KMSP) - The Vikings announced veteran DT Kevin Williams has signed a one-day contract to retire from the NFL as a Viking. Williams will formally announce his retirement tomorrow.
Williams was the 1st round draft pick for the Vikings back in 2003 and a member of the 50 Greatest Vikings squad. He spent 13 seasons with the Vikings where he played in six Pro Bowls and was named an All-Pro five times. Williams played in 171 career games with the Vikings.
In 2014, Williams played for the Seattle Seahawks after not being resigned with the Vikings under coach Mike Zimmer he then went on to play for the New Orleans Saints in 2015.
“Kevin was one of the most respected players in Vikings history by his teammates and by opponents,” said Vikings GM Rick Spielman. “He set a high standard for himself and led by example instead of words. We thank him for everything he gave the Vikings and the legacy he leaves.”
“Kevin Williams was an established team leader when we bought the Vikings and his presence was crucial to our success,” said Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. “His consistency and durability makes him a Viking for the ages. We wish Kevin and his family all the best as they enjoy retirement.”
“I had a great time with the Vikings and appreciate them giving me a chance,” Williams said. “They drafted a small town kid from Arkansas and the organization, the city, the whole state really, helped raise me into a man. I appreciate them for that and look forward to coming back and doing some things with the team. My family loved it in Minnesota and will be back a lot. I really thank the Wilf Family and the McCombs Family for all they did for me. I had some great coaches, got to line up with some great players and we did a lot of good things. I look back on that line we had with Pat, Jared, Ray, B-Rob and Fred- I hope we set a standard for how you do things up front.”