The United States Football League (USFL) has brought forth a new platform for athletes to showcase their talents. One standout player from the 2023 season is Troy Marc Williams, the dynamic quarterback for the Pittsburgh Maulers.
Born on September 11, 1994, the Carson, CA native has demonstrated perseverance and the ability to overcome challenges throughout his football career. This spotlight article delves into the collegiate and professional journey of Williams, highlighting his key stats, performance, and contributions.
College Career
Williams commenced his college football career at Washington, redshirting in his true freshman season. The following year, he played four games, starting in one, with 36 completed passes for 176 yards, two interceptions, and a touchdown earned through 16 rushing carries.
Following his stint at Washington, Williams transferred to Santa Monica College. In his only season there, he led the Corsairs to an 11-0 record, throwing for 2,750 yards with 31 touchdowns and four interceptions, while rushing for seven more scores. Williams then transferred to the University of Utah, where he was named the starting quarterback. He ended the season with 2,757 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, eight interceptions, 235 rushing yards, and five rushing touchdowns, helping the Utes secure a 9-4 record.
During his redshirt senior year, Williams lost his starting position to Tyler Huntley but still managed to play in eight games and start three. He ended the season with 812 passing yards, four touchdowns, two interceptions, and four rushing touchdowns.
NFL & CFL Professional Career
Undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft, Williams remained undeterred. Although his tryouts with the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Chargers were unsuccessful, he was later signed by the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2019. He spent most of the season on the practice roster but was called up for the final two games, completing one of three passes for 15 yards and rushing for 26 yards.
The 2020 CFL season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading Williams to opt out of his contract. After a brief re-signing in 2021 and a short stint with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Williams joined the Pittsburgh Maulers of the USFL in September 2022.
USFL 2023 Stats
Williams made his mark in the USFL in 2023, displaying impressive stats in both passing and rushing categories. His 1,414 passing yards ranked him 7th in the league, and he also contributed six passing touchdowns. On the ground, he rushed for 341 yards (8th in the league) and notched three rushing touchdowns (tied 6th in the league).
Looking Ahead
At 28 years old, standing 6’2″ and weighing 208 lbs, Williams has shown that he can compete at a high level in the USFL. His ability to both pass and rush the ball has added a unique dynamic to the Maulers’ offense, making him an indispensable part of the team. As he continues to grow and mature as a quarterback, the football world eagerly awaits what the future holds for Troy Williams.