Feeling Like Himself Again
Running back Javonte Williams is stepping into a new chapter of his NFL career with a fresh mindset and a healthier body. Now with the Dallas Cowboys, the 25-year-old signed a one-year, $3 million deal this offseason after spending four seasons with the Denver Broncos.
For the first time since suffering a devastating knee injury in 2022, Williams says he finally feels back to full strength. “I feel completely like myself,” Williams said, per the team website. “I probably can get more flexible and things like that, but as far as healing up, that I feel like is done.”
A Promising Start, Then a Setback
Williams entered the league with high expectations and quickly delivered in his rookie year, rushing for 903 yards and four touchdowns. He also made an impact in the passing game, hauling in 43 catches for 316 yards and three more scores. His explosiveness and versatility hinted at future stardom.
But that rise was abruptly halted in his second season when he tore his ACL, LCL, and posterolateral corner (PLC) in a single devastating injury. The recovery process was long and grueling, and Williams struggled to regain his rookie-year form.
Battling Through the Comeback
Over the next two seasons in Denver, Williams never quite looked the same. His yards-per-carry dipped noticeably, from 4.4 as a rookie to 3.6 in 2023, and 3.7 in 2024. He rushed for 774 yards on 217 attempts in 2023, and then just 513 yards on 139 carries last season, gradually losing ground to the Broncos’ backfield committee.
Despite the setbacks, Williams never lost confidence in his ability to bounce back. He sees his recovery journey as uniquely his own. “It just depends on who you are, it depends on your body. Mine might take this amount of time, but somebody else might be different,” he said.
“It’s a lot that goes into it that people don’t really understand. Just to be back out here and have another opportunity and chance to show myself, I can’t ask for nothing else.”
A New Opportunity in Dallas
The Cowboys, aiming to upgrade a rushing attack that ranked 27th in the league last year, saw value in giving Williams a shot. Alongside him, they brought in veteran Miles Sanders and drafted two additional running backs: Jaydon Blue in the fifth round and Phil Mafah in the seventh.
While Dallas isn’t expected to lean on a single workhorse in the backfield, Williams will have a real chance to earn a leading role. Especially if he can rediscover the form that made his rookie campaign so promising.
Focused on the Work, Not the Hype
As the Cowboys sort out how their backfield rotation will unfold, Williams is keeping his focus narrow: show up, work hard, and let the rest fall into place.
“They didn’t really tell me too much about that stuff, all I know is just come in here and work every day, and everything else is going to take care of itself,” Williams said. “I’m not really big on the expectations and goals and stuff like that, I just go out and play well.”
