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Terrific Brandon Williams Piece via BBR

fieryprophet

By fieryprophet,
in Carolina Panthers

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fieryprophet Newbie

fieryprophet

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http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2014/09/brandon_williams_journey_to_th.html

 

He was once broke and broken, working for pennies in Portland while mending a shattered dream, so Brandon Williams can't help but smile at his own story.

"I know, rags-to-riches right?'' the 26-year-old says, sitting in the Carolina Panthers locker room. "But if I wouldn't have gone through what I did, I wouldn't appreciate what I have now the way I do.''

He is in his second year as a reserve tight end with the Panthers, a long shot story that nearly didn't happen, right up to when the doctor standing between him and a contract died of a heart attack.

He always dreamed he would be a professional football player, but doctors at the University of Oregon abruptly ended his career because of what they believed was a dangerous spinal condition.

Instead of a career headed for stardom, as a coach at Oregon forecasted, Williams dabbled in basketball, playing half a season for Portland Bible College, while also pursuing his passion for law enforcement. He applied at Portland Police, who suggested he get experience. So he worked security jobs ranging from $9.50 to $11 an hour.

"He was a very viable candidate for us, but the best thing we ever did was not hire him,'' says George Burke, a commander for the Portland Police Bureau who served as a mentor for Williams. "Because his story is just short of a miracle when you think about it.''

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ZeroZeroSeven Enthusiast

ZeroZeroSeven

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After running his team through the hottest and hardest practice of the season last week, Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera noticed that one player didn't leave the field.

So Rivera noted the time, and watched his third string tight end, Brandon Williams, work on his craft. He caught extra balls. Hit the blocking sled. And ran routes. All in 98-degree weather.

"He elected to stay for 16, 17 minutes,'' Rivera said. "He works so hard at it.''

 

 

That right there shows the drive to be a great player.

 

Great story.  I'm really rooting for the guy.  Thanks for posting.

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Luuuuuuuuuuke59 Contributor

Luuuuuuuuuuke59

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Before he could grasp it all, the Panthers called. There would be no signing. The doctor who was to review his MRI died that day of a heart attack. He was to return home and wait for further notice.

 

Talk about your bad luck bear.

 

This story got me in the feels. I think Brandon Williams is the prototype of player that our team searches for. I just want to see the boy active on Sundays!!

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rmoneyg35 Proficient

rmoneyg35

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I don't know if he will have a better season than last year. He looked good in preseason but was inactive game 1. We have the talent and depth to run more 2TE sets but we haven't used them much. Dickson had zero catches. We could end up using more 2 TE sets as the season goes on until then I don't see us needing 3 TEs active which means Williams will be inactive.

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UpstatePanther Newbie

UpstatePanther

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I hope he continues to develop and eventually takes over the #2 TE spot. It would save us from having to draft a replacement for Dickson. Seems like a great dude, also.

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i sure hope thats the plan. he hasnt just brought a cool background story to the Panthers, the man can ball out... he's been very promising

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Luuuuuuuuuuke59 Contributor

Luuuuuuuuuuke59

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He honestly just needs time to develop. He didn't get the 4 yrs of exp most nfl rookies come into the league with. I say in around 3 more years he is our number 1 te. He will also have a jimmy graham type year that year too

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Kind of the perfect situation for him, really. He gets paid to practice and improve his craft. In addition, if anything happens concerning our top two TEs, we have 'bones waiting in the wings to have his shot. Can't beat a WIN - WIN

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OnlyPantherFaninMaine Community Regular

OnlyPantherFaninMaine

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I met Brandon Williams before the Arizona game in the hotel last year. Easily one of the most humble and friendly athletes I've ever had the pleasure spending time with. We spoke about Oregon, how far he had came and how his goal was to get on the field every game. He signed my helmet and called over fellow Duck and former Panther Kenjon Barner to do the same.

He's one of my favorite guys on this roster and I really hope he can develop into something special.

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