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Langston Today
By the People, for the People
Former Cowboys, 49ers Defensive Back Gerard Williams Dies
Williams spent five seasons in the NFL, playing for the Cowboys, Cardinals, 49ers and Redskins.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:52pm
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A cubist interpretation of a defensive back's game-changing interception, reflecting the fractured nature of Williams' NFL career across multiple teams.Langston TodayGerard Williams, a defensive back who spent five seasons in the National Football League, has died at the age of 73. Williams played for the Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers, and St. Louis Cardinals during his NFL career, intercepting 13 passes and recovering 3 fumbles.
Why it matters
Williams was a talented defensive back who had a productive NFL career, playing for several teams and making an impact on the field. His passing is a loss for the football community and his former teams and teammates.
The details
Williams signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent in 1974 but was released without appearing in a regular-season game. He then played two seasons in the World Football League for the Birmingham franchise, leading the league in 1974 with two interceptions returned for touchdowns. After the WFL folded, Williams joined the Redskins in 1976 and started 16 games over the next two seasons, intercepting 8 passes. In 1979, he joined the 49ers in Bill Walsh's first season as head coach, starting 14 of 15 games and intercepting 4 passes. Williams split the 1980 season between the 49ers and Cardinals before retiring.
- Williams was inducted into the Langston University Hall of Fame in 2014.
- Williams played for the Washington Redskins from 1976-1978.
- Williams played for the San Francisco 49ers in 1979 and part of 1980.
- Williams played for the St. Louis Cardinals in part of the 1980 season.
The players
Gerard Williams
A defensive back who spent five seasons in the NFL, playing for the Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers, and St. Louis Cardinals.
Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson
A former NFL player who was teammates with Williams at Langston University and the San Francisco 49ers in 1980.
Bill Walsh
The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in 1979, Williams' final season in the NFL.
Joe Montana
A star quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers in 1979, Williams' final season in the NFL.
O.J. Simpson
A star running back for the San Francisco 49ers in 1979, Williams' final season in the NFL.
The takeaway
Gerard Williams' passing is a loss for the football community, as he was a skilled defensive back who made contributions to several NFL teams over his five-year career. His induction into the Langston University Hall of Fame in 2014 recognized his accomplishments at the collegiate level as well.
