From Philadelphia to Foxborough: Williams Embraces New Role
Just two months after signing a lucrative free-agent deal, Milton Williams found himself on the receiving end of an intense critique from New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. And rather than taking offense, the Patriots’ high-profile addition embraced the moment.
“I Don’t Mind Getting Called Out”
Vrabel was direct in his feedback, telling Williams he needed to deliver a stronger effort if he wanted to lead the charge for the Patriots.
“I like that,” Williams told reporters Tuesday. “I don’t mind. I don’t think I’m bigger than the next person. I don’t mind getting called out, because him calling me out is just going to help the other guys. We ain’t got no excuses for nobody to be not giving their all.”
Williams, formerly of the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, made the move to a Patriots team that finished 4-13 for the second consecutive season. Despite entering his fifth NFL season, the 26-year-old had started only 19 of his 67 career games, having been part of Philadelphia’s talent-laden defensive line.
But his move to New England comes with greater expectations, both in terms of his paycheck and his role. Vrabel made sure Williams understood that message early.
Vrabel’s Message: “Don’t Let Them Catch You”
Williams shared that Vrabel took issue with him easing up at the end of a timed run. The coach demanded more urgency and effort from his new defensive lineman. “Just instead of, like, we running and we got a time we were supposed to make it in and I already made it on my way back,” Williams explained.
“So I’m kind of like chilling until I get to the line, he’s like ‘Nah, don’t let them catch you. If you can make it faster, make it.’ So I’m like, ‘Alright.’ So every rep since then, I’ve just been trying to make sure I’m the first one back. I feel like that’s going to help me, just push me to where I want to be. And the guys that are running with me, that’s going to push them to run even harder.”
Leading by Example
Williams was signed not only to fortify the Patriots’ defensive line but also to serve as a tone-setter for a team aiming to bounce back from back-to-back disappointing seasons.
So far, Williams appears to be taking Vrabel’s coaching to heart, hoping that his response to criticism can set the right tone for the entire defense.
“I was making it in time,” Williams said. “So it was like we get to the line and then we run back and make it back to the goal line at a certain time. So I done got out, ‘Fwoom,’ coming back and then I’m just kind of like (mimes jogging). Yeah, I knew I was (gonna) make it so I’m just like: he wants me to go ahead and just empty the tank every rep.”
