Seahawks' Leonard Williams Reaches Super Bowl After Inspiring Journey

Defensive tackle overcomes early career struggles and personal hardships to lead Seattle to the big game

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Leonard Williams, defensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks, has reached Super Bowl LX after a challenging and transformative career. This journey, culminating in Seattle on February 2, 2026, highlights his resilience and growth both on and off the field as he prepares for the biggest game at Levi's Stadium.

Why it matters

Williams' path to the Super Bowl was far from straightforward, as he overcame early career setbacks with the Jets and Giants before finding stability and success with the Seahawks. His inspiring personal story of overcoming homelessness and his father's incarceration has made him a respected leader on and off the field.

The details

Originally drafted by the New York Jets, Williams struggled in his first few NFL seasons as the team missed the playoffs. He was later traded to the New York Giants, where he helped the team reach the postseason in 2022 before being traded again to the Seahawks. Since joining Seattle, Williams has flourished, earning his first All-Pro selection this season and becoming a vocal leader on one of the league's best defenses.

  • Williams was drafted by the Jets in 2015.
  • He was traded to the Giants in 2019.
  • Williams was traded to the Seahawks in 2023.
  • This season, Williams earned his first All-Pro selection.
  • Super Bowl LX will be played on February 2, 2026.

The players

Leonard Williams

A 31-year-old defensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks who is preparing to play in his first Super Bowl after overcoming early career struggles and personal hardships.

Mike Macdonald

The head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, who praised Williams' development and encouraged him to become a more vocal leader on the team.

Ronnie Lott

A Hall of Fame safety and Williams' father-in-law, who has provided mentorship and support to Williams as he prepares for his first Super Bowl appearance.

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What they’re saying

“Honestly, it just makes me play with more passion, more heart, more want-to, all the things that I've been through. It's just been all fuel. Not in a bad way, though. None of it has made me have any hatred or anything like that. It's just made me grow more resilient, stronger. And it makes moments like these feel even more special.”

— Leonard Williams (theconwaybulletin.com)

“He's been an A-plus-plus in everything. We challenged him a little bit last year to become more of a vocal leader on the team and assert his personality, but he works his butt off. Great teammate, great person.”

— Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks coach (theconwaybulletin.com)

“He has shared some of that with the guys. That's what makes him so special. It's for him, but it's really to share it with his teammates to let them know that, hey, we've all come from different spots, all had our adversities. What matters is that we are here now.”

— Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks coach (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

Williams and the Seahawks will face the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LX on February 2, 2026 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The takeaway

Leonard Williams' inspiring journey to the Super Bowl with the Seahawks is a powerful story of perseverance, resilience, and the transformative impact of personal growth, family support, and community connection. His story underscores the importance of embracing one's unique experiences and using them to uplift and inspire others.