Leonard Williams

Player Information

Leonard Austin Williams is an American professional football defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the New York Jets with the sixth overall pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft. He played college football for the USC Trojans.
Full Name :
Leonard Austin Williams
Birthdate :
20 June 1994
Birthplace :
Bakersfield, California, USA
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
196
Weight (kg) :
141
Nationality :
American
Parents :
Clenon Williams (Father), Aviva Russek (Mother)
Education :
Mainland High School (High School), USC (College)
Career Started :
2015
Notable Achievements :
3× Pro Bowl (2016, 2024, 2025), PFWA All-Rookie Team (2015), 2× first-team All-American (2013, 2014), 2× first-team All-Pac-12 (2013, 2014), Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year (2012)
Current Team :
Seattle Seahawks
Previous Teams :
New York Jets (From 2015, To 2019), New York Giants (From 2019, To 2023)
Drafted :
2015
Drafted by :
New York Jets
Active Status :
From - 2015, To - Present
Contract :
Contract Year 2024 to 2027, Salary $64,500,000 USD

Biography

Leonard Williams is a distinguished NFL player, recognized for his skill as a defensive lineman. Drafted sixth in total by the New York Jets in 2015, he has amassed impressive statistics, including 54.5 sacks across 158 games. Williams boasts two Pro Bowl selections and moved from the Jets to the Giants and recently to the Seahawks. With a net worth of $20 million, he continues to excel and influence the game. There’s much more to his path that shapes his story.

Early Life

Leonard Williams grew up in a supportive family environment that nurtured his passion for sports. He attended Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he displayed his football talent and earned All-American honors.

His impressive performance on the field led him to pursue a successful college career at the University of Southern California (USC), where he distinguished himself as a standout defensive lineman.

Significantly, Williams became a consensus All-American and won the Morris Trophy, recognizing him as the best defensive lineman in the Pac-12 Conference.

Family Life

Leonard Williams, affectionately known as “Big Cat,” cherishes his private family life and attributes much of his success in the NFL to his close-knit family.

He credits his parents, who have always been supportive, for instilling strong values that have shaped his work ethic and ambition.

Williams often expresses deep gratitude for the sacrifices made by his family, including his mother, who has played a crucial role in his path.

This steadfast support serves as a meaningful source of motivation for him, driving him to excel both on and off the field.

Career

Leonard Williams, also known as “Big Cat,” was drafted 6th overall by the New York Jets in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Throughout his career, he has demonstrated his skills in 158 games, accumulating 54.5 sacks and earning two Pro Bowl selections, a reflection of his impact and recognition in the league.

Williams moved from the Jets to the Giants in 2019, further solidifying his defensive ability, before shifting to the Seahawks in 2023.

In the 2023 season, he recorded 5.5 sacks, highlighting his continued effectiveness on the field.

Net Worth

As of 2023, Leonard Williams has an estimated net worth of $20 million, primarily derived from his NFL contracts.

Importantly, he signed a lucrative three-year contract with the New York Giants worth $63 million in 2020. In 2021, he was designated with a franchise tag valued at $19.3 million.

His top career salaries include $15 million in 2018, $14.5 million in 2019, $19.3 million in 2021, $21 million in 2022, and $21 million in 2023.

Furthermore, endorsements and Pro Bowl selections have further improved Leonard Williams’ financial success.