Gerard Williams (American football)
# Gerard Williams (American football)

Gerard Anthony Williams (born May 25, 1952) is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers, and St. Louis Cardinals. He also was a member of the Birmingham Americans and Birmingham Vulcans in the World Football League (WFL). He played college football at Langston University.

## Early years

Williams attended Northeast High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He accepted a football scholarship from Langston University.

In 2014, he was inducted into the Langston University Athletic Hall of Fame.

## Professional career

### Dallas Cowboys

Williams was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 1974 NFL Draft. He was released before the start of the season.

### Birmingham Americans (WFL)

On September 17, 1974, he signed as a free agent with the Birmingham Americans of the World Football League. He was named the starter at right cornerback and had 4 interceptions.

In 1975, the Americans suffered a financial crisis and were replaced by the Birmingham Vulcans. Williams played in 9 games and had 3 interceptions before the league folded.

### Los Angeles Rams

In 1975, he signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Rams. He was released on August 11.

### Washington Redskins

On April 6, 1976, he was signed as a free agent by the Washington Redskins. He was a backup at left corenerback behind Pat Fischer. In 1977, he became a starter after Fischer suffered a pinched back nerve. He started 11 games and posted 4 interceptions.

In 1978, he was passed on the depth chart by Lemar Parrish. Williams regained his starting position after Parrish was lost for the season with a fractured forearm, finishing with 5 starts and 4 interceptions. He was released on August 27, 1979.

### San Francisco 49ers

On September 6, 1979, he signed as a free agent with the San Francisco 49ers. He started 14 games at right cornerback and registered 4 interceptions. He was released on September 1, 1980.

### St. Louis Cardinals

On October 22, 1980, he was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals. He was waived on November 19.

### San Francisco 49ers

On November 20, 1980, he was re-signed by the San Francisco 49ers. He was released on May 14, 1981.

