Kyle Williams selected as Buffalo Bills’ finalist for Art Rooney Sportsmanship award

Kyle Williams is a leader on the playing field, earning the right to don the game-day “C” on his jersey each week as one of the captains of the Buffalo Bills.

Off the field, Williams also gives back to the Buffalo community. For his efforts, Williams earned recognition as a finalist for the fifth annual Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. Each NFL team nominated one of its players for the award, which recognizes players around the league who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship on and off the field.

Williams, in his 13th season out of LSU, is one of the most respected leaders in the Bills’ locker room. His off-field charitable efforts include being an annual fixture in LeSean McCoy’s celebrity softball tournament, and also an avid participant in Jim Kelly’s celebrity golf tournament.

In 2018, he has appeared in and started all 10 games, amassing 17 total tackles (four for a loss) with 3.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery for a Bills defense that holds the top spot in total defense, allowing a shade over 300 yards per game (302.2).

Each year, the Rooney Sportsmanship Award is presented to an NFL player who best demonstrates the qualities of on-field sportsmanship — including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition.

The award was created in 2014 in honor of the late Art Rooney Sr., founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.