When the Dallas Cowboys signed Javonte Williams in March, few expected he’d emerge as one of the NFL’s top running backs by midseason. Now, in Week 8 of the 2025 season, Williams is set to return to Denver — the city where his NFL career began — as the Cowboys take on the Broncos.
Javonte Williams Returns to Denver as Cowboys Star Running Back Faces Former Team
Williams spent four seasons in Denver after the Broncos drafted him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of North Carolina. His rookie year showed real promise, with 1,219 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns. But a knee injury just four games into his second season halted that progress.
Even after returning, Williams never quite looked the same, averaging 3.6 yards per carry over the next two years. When his rookie deal ended, the Broncos chose not to bring him back, signing J.K. Dobbins and drafting R.J. Harvey instead.
The Cowboys’ official website described Williams’ exit as “mutual.” Now, as he prepares to face his old team, Williams has kept things simple, saying he’s treating this week like any other game.
“I feel like it’s just another championship opportunity,” Williams told the team’s site. “We treat every game the same. Great team, great defense, great offense. We’ve just got to go out and execute. I’m just going to go out there and play my game, do what I’ve got to do, and try to make plays for my teammates.”
Williams’ Career Resurgence in Dallas
Williams’ move to Dallas has been one of the best free-agent signings of the offseason. Through seven games, he’s second in the NFL with 592 rushing yards and six touchdowns, trailing only Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylor. His resurgence has helped power a Cowboys offense that ranks near the top of the league in both yards and scoring.
In his first game with Dallas, Williams made an immediate impact, scoring two touchdowns in the season opener. Since then, he’s topped 75 rushing yards in all but one contest. His 5.3 yards per carry is nearly a full yard better than his previous career high, and his average of 84.6 rushing yards per game easily surpasses his best mark from his Denver years.
Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph spoke about Williams’ turnaround ahead of Sunday’s matchup. “He is playing at a high level,” Joseph said Thursday, per the team transcript. “He looks like he has his legs back, explosive, breaking tackles, catching the football. He’s playing on all three downs, so I’m happy for that dude. He’s such a great person. Obviously that’s our opponent on Sunday, so we have to get him stopped, but I’m happy for him.”
The Cowboys’ investment — a one-year, $3 million deal — now looks like a bargain.
Williams has already found the endzone against his former team, midway through the second quarter, with a handoff from Prescott. He scored again ahead of the 8-minute mark.
Williams finished the 24-44 loss with 13 rush attempts, 41 rush yards, 2 rush TD, and 8 receiving yards from 2 targets.
The Cowboys take on the Cardinals on Monday Night Football in Week 9.
Javonte Williams Returns to Denver as One of the NFL’s Best Running Backs