According to a tweet from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Seattle Seahawks starting center Connor Williams has announced his retirement from the NFL at just 27 years old. Williams’ decision comes as a surprise, given his impressive comeback from a significant knee injury during his time with the Miami Dolphins.
Williams joined the Seahawks after his tenure with the Dolphins, where he transitioned from guard to center and showcased his versatility. Despite suffering a major ACL injury in Miami, he worked diligently through rehabilitation and returned to full form, securing a starting role in Seattle. Since joining the Seahawks on a one-year contract in free agency, Williams has been a cornerstone of their offensive line, starting every game this season and demonstrating remarkable resilience and dedication.
His early retirement marks the end of a promising career defined by perseverance and consistent performance. Williams’ departure leaves a gap in the Seahawks’ offensive line, and the team will now look for solutions to fill the void. Although he has had a short career, he leaves the NFL with a legacy of determination and excellence in the face of adversity. His retirement underscores athletes’ challenges and tough decisions in balancing health, longevity, and career.
#Seahawks starting C Connor Williams has decided to retire, per coach Mike Macdonald.
Just 27 years old, Williams has started every game for Seattle after overcoming a major knee injury from his time in Miami. pic.twitter.com/KUcR9twtvd
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 15, 2024
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Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Mike Macdonald on Connor Williams’ Retirement
Mike Macdonald spoke with the press after the Seahawks’ Friday, Nov. 15 practice and touched on Williams’ decision.
“Connor, earlier this week, decided to retire. Personal reasons, we respect that, wish him the best, and we’ve got to move forward.”
Citing privacy, Macdonald would not divulge the aspects of his conversation with Williams, but he did mention that the decision was unrelated to the ACL injury that cut short his 2023 season in Miami.
“It’s been a process throughout the week,” Macdonald said. “We’ll make the necessary roster moves tomorrow, all the designations and things like that. That will happen tomorrow, I believe.”
Williams’ unexpected retirement was the second big change to the roster this week, following the Seahawks’ decision to waive starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson on Monday, Nov. 11. Despite these significant changes, Macdonald said it’s not been a distraction for the team.
Seattle Seahawks Depth Chart After Connor Williams Retirement
Following Williams’ abrupt retirement, second-year center Olu Oluwatimi defaults to starting center. Selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Oluwatimi has appeared in 20 games with one start. Behind Oluwatimi is Jalen Sundell, a product of North Dakota State signed by Seattle as an undrafted free agent in 2024.
“Olu will play center for us right now, and we’re excited for his opportunity,” Macdonald said. “Just like all the other young guys who have had opportunities, Olu’s right there, he’s been working his tail off, and he’s got a great opportunity. We’re excited to see him play.”
Before adding Williams in mid-August, Oluwatimi was working with the first-team offense in training camp.
“He’s a guy that’s been knocking on the door for a while. Obviously, it’s an unforeseen circumstance that you’ve got to take on head-on, but the silver lining in the whole thing is that we get to see Olu go do his thing. This guy’s been working really hard, basically started at center for us the whole offseason until we signed Connor, so we’ve had a really good week of practice with Connor not here, and onward we go.”
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Seahawks Reveal Surprising News on Offensive Lineman Connor Williams