LOCALS IN THE NFL

Former BYU RB Jamaal Williams Gives Lions Teammates Custom Gifts

Dec 1, 2022, 6:53 PM

Jamaal-Williams-Detroit-Lions-NFL...

Jamaal Williams #30 of the Detroit Lions gestures to fans before his game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 13, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

(Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY – Former BYU Cougars and current Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams got the spirit of giving going in the Motor City by gifting his teammates custom robes.

As is a custom in the NFL during the holiday season, some star players will present their teammates with unique gifts. Some quarterbacks will give gifts to their offensive linemen, etc.

This year, Williams, who leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns, gave members of Detroit’s offense and coaching staff a custom robe that features an illustration of the former BYU star flexing in his Lions jersey. In addition to the cartooned version of Williams, the robes featured the name and jersey number of the Lions player receiving the customized gift.

ESPN‘s Eric Woodyard covers the Lions and tweeted photos of Williams’ custom gift.

“I thought this was what you’re supposed to do as a vet. I’m just giving presents,” Williams said on Thursday, December 1. “This is what I’ve learned growing up. I’m used to every year with [Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers quarterback] giving us Uggs or something. I’m just trying to do my best as a good vet.”

“It’s big. It just shows what kind of guy he is. He’s a selfless guy and he’s a giving guy,” Lions offensive lineman Jonah Jackson said after receiving the gift from Williams. “Something like this is awesome. You never really think to get yourself a robe and how comfortable it is, but now this might be worn to the game, walk around my house, doing duties around time like grocery shopping and I’ll put this on real quick.”

“I like free stuff, so I know other people like free stuff,” the former BYU star said.

This season, Williams has run for 734 yards and a league-high 13 touchdowns on 177 carries.

The Lions currently own a 4-7 record.

Detroit’s next game is at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, December 4 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX.

About Jamaal Williams

Before his time in the NFL, Williams was a star at BYU. He finished his time in Provo as the Cougars’ all-time leading rusher in both career and single-yard yards.

During his time at BYU (2012-14, 2016), Williams ran the ball 726 times for 3,901 yards and 35 touchdowns. He also had 60 receptions for 567 yards and a touchdown. Williams only lost two fumbles during his college career.

Following his time at BYU, the Southern California native was selected by the Green Bay Packers during the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He played the first four seasons of his professional career with the Packers before signing with the Lions in 2021.

During his six seasons in the league, Williams has run for 3,320 yards and 26 touchdowns. He’s scored 34 total touchdowns.

Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com and co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).

  • BYU Cougars Scoreboard

  • BYU Cougars Team Leaders

  • BYU Cougars Standings

Locals In the NFL

Jaylen Warren #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers Week 5...

Brian Preece

Locals in the NFL: ‘He’s hot’, Jaylen Warren earns featured role in Steelers offense

Former East High standout Jaylen Warren is climbing the NFL rushing and scrimmage-yard rankings after a breakout stretch with the Steelers.

9 days ago

Caleb Lomu #74 of the New England Patriots Week 5...

Brian Preece

Locals in the NFL: Patriots could turn to rookie Caleb Lomu at left tackle against Jets

With Will Campbell expected to miss time, first-round pick Caleb Lomu may be asked to protect Drake Maye against the Jets’ pass rush.

10 days ago

Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams Week 5...

Brian Preece

Locals in the NFL: Puka Nacua’s career day ends in heartbreak as Rams fall to Bills in OT

Puka Nacua caught a career-high 17 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown, but the Los Angeles Rams fell to the Buffalo Bills 37-34 in overtime.

10 days ago

Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers Week 5, 2026...

Brian Preece

Locals in the NFL: Packers ride Jordan Love’s big game to 31-7 win over Bears

Jordan Love completed 25 of 31 passes for 367 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Packers to a 31-7 win over the Bears.

12 days ago

Tyler Huntley #5 of the Baltimore Ravens NFL...

Brian Preece

Locals in the NFL: Tyler Huntley expected to make first start as injuries impact locals

Tyler Huntley prepares for a Ravens start as several Utah NFL locals work toward returns. Check the latest Week 5 injury updates.

14 days ago

Jaylen Warren #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers...

Brian Preece

Locals in the NFL: Jaylen Warren building toward career year with Steelers

Jaylen Warren is averaging 5.6 yards per carry and has a catch in every game. See how the former East High star is contributing to Pittsburgh’s offense.

21 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Photos provided by families of featured athletes...

KSL Sports

Northern Utah Player of the Week – Week 7 – Carson Murphy

The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school football player in Northern Utah.

Photos provided by family of featured athletes...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 13 – Stacia Peoples & Gavin Lowe

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

...

Northern Utah High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 13 – Rachel McBride & Lincoln Smith

The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Northern Utah.

Photos provided by featured athletes...

Utah County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 13 – Janiece Sikander & Brody Thompson

The Mr. Mac Utah County High School Player of the Week is awarded each week to the top prep boy's and girl's basketball players in Utah County.

Photos provided by featured athletes...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 12 – Evy Roberts & Krew Eckman

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

Photos provided by family of featured athletes...

Northern Utah High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 12 – Fabiana Lopez, Madden Johnsen & Bracken Saunders

The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Northern Utah.

Former BYU RB Jamaal Williams Gives Lions Teammates Custom Gifts