Bears Blitz

Eddie Williams, Chicago Bears: Q & A With Chicago’s Fullback

Published by Jake Perper on July 14, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Eddie Williams entered the NFL in 2009 as a seventh-round pick out of the University of Idaho by the Washington Redskins.

The 6’1″, 249-pound Williams played tight end for the University of Idaho and had solid production. In 39 games at Idaho, Williams made 100 receptions for 1,205 yards and 11 touchdowns.

His senior season was his finest—he reeled in 54 receptions for 687 yards and six touchdowns. Although he will be used as a fullback or H-back with the Bears, Williams plays more like a wide receiver.

During the 2009 NFL draft, ESPN scouts had this to say about him: “Williams has upside playing an H-back role. He is a reliable target in the pass game with soft hands. He has elusiveness to make the first defender miss.”

Williams spent his rookie season on the Redskins’ practice squad until November 2nd when he was promoted to the 53-man roster. The Redskins released him shortly after the season and the Bears decided to sign him a week later. Although he didn’t play a regular-season game, Williams learned Mike Martz’s offense on the practice squad.

This season, Williams will earn his playing time by showing how valuable he really is. With blocking not being a bright spot for the Bears last season, I expect Williams to be used more often than not.

I had the chance to catch up with Eddie earlier this week. I asked him about everything pertaining to the NFL lockout, his favorite moment in football and who his favorite player was growing up.

Following is the interview with the Bears’ FB, Eddie Williams. It can also be found exclusively on Bearsbacker.com.

Q: How tough has the lockout been on you? How often have you been training and conditioning?

A: The lockout has been tough because we all want to be out there together working toward a new season. We know there are things the coaches could be teaching us, and we’re missing out on the team unity aspect of training together. I work out five days a week, as well as offensive workouts together.

Q: Have you gotten together with any players this offseason to train?

A: I have trained with a few teammates and done workouts. Kahlil Bell, Johan Asiata, Matt Forte, Greg Olsen and Nathan Enderle, just to name a few.

Q: Who was your favorite player growing up? Or did you just have a favorite team?

A: I grew up loving the 49ers. Jerry Rice was who I looked to as my favorite player.

Q: What is your most memorable moment in football? What level did it occur in?

A: I caught the game-winning TD in the rain to win the league championship. Our fans rushed the field. It was awesome.

Q: I recently interviewed Kahlil Bell and he told me he works out with you a lot. How’d you guys become such good friends?

A: Our lockers were next to each other and we became friends just from joking around in meetings. We have similar senses of humor. We have been working out the last four months together in the suburbs.

Q: How does Lovie Smith run practices? Is he that quiet guy that the media claims he is?

A: He is very methodical. He has a purpose for everything he does. He does a great job of getting his players to buy in. He is quiet—more of the strong, silent type. Authoritative. Servant leadership.

Q: If you weren’t a professional football player, what profession do you think you’d be in?

A: A pastor.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: A few. Casino, Gladiator, Inglorious Bastards, Bad Boys II, etc.

Q: Favorite food/meal?

A: Prime rib.

Q: What do you plan on doing when your career is over? What do you hope to get out of the NFL?

A: I plan on planting a church in the San Francisco area.

Q: You’re pretty active on Twitter, do you enjoy social networks?

A: I like Twitter. But I take it for what it is. It’s for fun and that’s how I see it.

Q: Who do you thank for getting to this point?

A: I thank my mother for inspiring me when I was young, before she passed. I also thank Jesus for grabbing ahold of my life!