Doug Williams
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Doug Williams Legacy
HEYTC AIDoug Williams Rating Breakdown
Doug Williams Career Stats via Wikipedia
Doug Williams Career Timeline
HEYTC AI2022 1
Senior Advisor with Commanders
Williams was promoted to senior vice president in the Washington Commanders' front office under Ron Rivera, continuing his influential role in personnel decisions for the franchise formerly known as the Redskins during his playing days.
1994 1
Returned to Buccaneers as Scout
Williams rejoined the Buccaneers organization as a pro scout, beginning a front-office career that included roles as personnel executive and director of pro personnel over the next decade.
1989 1
Short Stint with Cardinals
Williams signed with the Phoenix Cardinals midseason but appeared in only one game, marking the end of his NFL playing career after 10 seasons with 12,287 passing yards, 83 TDs, and 72 INTs.
1988 1
One Final Season with Washington
Williams started Washington's first six games in 1988 before being benched and released; he finished with 1,277 passing yards, 7 TDs, and 11 INTs in his last NFL action.
1987 1
Super Bowl XXII MVP
Williams led Washington to a 42-10 rout of the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII, throwing for a then-record 340 yards and 4 touchdowns in the second quarter alone to earn Super Bowl MVP honors as the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl.
1985 1
Joined Washington
Williams signed a three-year, $3.1 million contract with the Washington Redskins, reuniting with Joe Gibbs and backing up Jay Schroeder while appearing in 10 games.
1984 1
Left Buccaneers via Free Agency
After five seasons and a contract dispute where Williams sought a raise from $600K to $1.1M annually, he walked away from the Buccaneers as a free agent, sitting out the entire 1984 season amid the NFL's United States Football League competition.
1983 1
Second Pro Bowl and NFC Championship Run
Williams made his second Pro Bowl after throwing for 3,713 yards and 27 TDs; Tampa Bay reached the NFC Championship Game, losing to Washington 31-7.
1981 1
Playoff Appearance with Buccaneers
Williams guided the Buccaneers to their first playoff berth, upsetting the Dallas Cowboys in the wild-card round before falling to the 49ers in the divisional round; he threw for 378 yards and 4 TDs in the win over Dallas.
1980 1
First Pro Bowl Selection
Williams earned his first Pro Bowl nod after a breakout 1980 season, throwing for 2,593 yards and 17 touchdowns while leading Tampa Bay to a 5-11 record.
1978 2
Signed Rookie Contract with Buccaneers
Williams signed his rookie deal with the Buccaneers and immediately became the starting quarterback, leading the expansion franchise from its inception and posting a 25-31 record over five seasons while earning NFC Rookie Player of the Year honors.
Drafted by Buccaneers
Doug Williams was selected as the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 1978 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers out of Grambling State University, becoming the first Black quarterback ever taken in the first round.
Frequently Asked Questions About Doug Williams
How does Jayden Daniels compare to Doug Williams?
Jayden Daniels flashes the dual-threat fireworks Doug Williams never had, scrambling like a young Vick while Williams was pure cannon arm—16,998 yards, 100 TDs, that iconic Super Bowl XXII demolition of Denver. Daniels chases the legacy as Commanders starter, but Doug's barrier-breaking ring sets an untouchable bar, like comparing a hot rod to the muscle car that won the race.
Is Doug Williams in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Nope, Doug Williams ain't in Canton, and at 70, that ship feels sailed despite the Super Bowl MVP heroics—four TDs in one quarter against the Broncos, first Black QB to hoist the Lombardi. Stats like 38.71 passer rating don't scream bust, but voters overlooked him for flashier gunslingers. Still a Commanders immortal.
What is Doug Williams doing now in 2026?
Doug's holding court as senior advisor for the Commanders, scouting talent and shaping the front office after 12 years there, while his son DJ climbs Falcons QB coach ranks—Washington even interviewed him for their staff. He's speaking gigs on leadership, eyeing HBCU coaches like Vick and Jackson, family legacy humming strong.
How would Doug Williams perform in today's NFL?
Doug's bazooka arm—think those 300-yard bombs—would feast under pass-happy rules, no more bump-and-run DBs mugging receivers. His 6'4" frame fits pocket protector molds like Cousins, but shaky 38.71 rating hints accuracy woes against twists like zone blitzes. He'd carve up secondaries, maybe 4,000-yard seasons, pure '80s rocket in a spread world.
How does Doug Williams compare to Joe Theismann?
Doug edges Joe Theismann on Commanders lore with that lone Super Bowl ring over Joe's two NFC titles, but Theismann's 52.07 rating smokes Doug's 38.71—Joe diced defenses steadier pre-Riggins era. Both franchise pillars, yet Doug's MVP moment trumps Joe's polish, like the knockout punch vs. the jab combo.