Former Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams had a message to Clemson fans who are rooting for him as he enters his rookie season in the NFL.
“Clemson means so much to me and everybody that’s there, and helped shape me and who I am,” Williams said at the annual NFLPA Rookie Premiere event in Los Angeles.
“It’s like the best four years of my life and probably the best decision I ever made. So, appreciate y’all, and I’m gonna try to represent y’all the best I can. Go Tigers.”
The Washington Commanders selected Williams in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 71 overall pick.
Williams will be a slot receiver for Washington and is expected to compete for immediate playing time. He has his sights set on making an instant impact for the Commanders and becoming a reliable, go-to target for quarterback Jayden Daniels.
“I just wanna contribute early, man,” Williams said. “I’m trying to get out there and make the most of my opportunities, first game of the season. So when it’s third down or a crucial moment, I want to be that guy to go to.”
After wearing No. 0 at Clemson, Williams will wear the No. 14 for the Commanders — a number that carries childhood roots and takes things back to the beginning.
“It’s my number from the first time I ever played football. So, it’s like a full-circle moment,” Williams said. “It kind of brings me back to where I started from. So, in a Commanders uniform, it’s crazy, man.”
Williams left Clemson ranking fourth in school history in career catches, while racking up 2,336 receiving yards and 21 receiving touchdowns across 43 games. The two-time All-ACC selection also tied Mike Williams for the fourth-most career touchdown receptions in school history.
In 2025, Williams caught 55 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns over 10 games. The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder also rushed 13 times for 78 yards and a touchdown, completed a 75-yard touchdown pass and gained 44 yards on four punt returns en route to third-team All-ACC honors.