Brandon Williams exemplified what it means to be a Raven.
He was a mainstay at defensive tackle for almost a decade, a force in the trenches as an elite run-stopper who brought physicality and leadership. Teammates and coaches loved him for his passionate approach to football and dependability. Fans still love him, not only for the plays he made, but for his gregarious personality and work in the Baltimore community.
For those reasons and more, Williams officially retired as a Raven on Tuesday and returned to the Under Armour Performance Center to make the announcement.
"Coming back here is definitely bringing a lot of memories," Williams said. "I'm just happy and proud to be retiring a Raven.
"I just wanted to come back and bring it full circle. This is where I started. This is what gave me my livelihood. Coach C.B. (Former Defensive Line Coach Clarence Brooks), teaching me everything, blossoming into the player I became. I just wanted to come back here and be in Baltimore. It seems like it went so quick, but I'm thankful, I'm blessed."
Williams played nine seasons with Baltimore after being drafted as a third-round pick (94th overall) in 2013. He was a Pro Bowler in 2018 and durable throughout his career. He never missed a game in four of his first six seasons and played in at least 12 games every year from 2014-21.
Playing college football at Missouri Southern, Williams entered the NFL as a small-school prospect with plenty to prove. He didn't waste any time, becoming a starter in his second season and finishing his career with 325 tackles, 34 tackles for loss, 21 quarterback hits, seven sacks, and five fumble recoveries.
Williams embraced his role as an immovable force who did the dirty work in the trenches. When an opponent wanted to run against the Ravens, Williams wanted to convince them it was a bad idea. One of his favorite memories was a tackle he made in the backfield on current Ravens running back Derrick Henry when he was playing with the Tennessee Titans.
"I always prided myself on stopping the run," Williams said. "Seeing him carry the ball now is amazing. But the one time I got after him in the backfield, that was a great moment."
Another favorite moment displayed Willliams' humorous side, when a video of his impressive dance moves in the Ravens' locker room went viral on social media.
"It was one of the dog days of training camp," Williams said. "Me and Sizz (Terrell Suggs) were about to go out. Sizz started playing music and I just started getting into my groove, feeling myself. Then Chris Canty had the camara and it happened."
After meeting with the media, Williams posed for a picture with General Manager Eric DeCosta, Head Coach John Harbaugh, and former teammates in Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr, Director of Player Engagement Jameel McClain, Chris Wormley, Justin Tucker, Ronnie Stanley, and Patrick Mekari.
Williams played his final NFL season with the Kansas City Chiefs, signing with them late in the 2022 season before they won the Super Bowl. But while Williams won a ring with the Chiefs, his heart will always be with the Ravens.
Williams was asked how he'd like to be remembered as a player.
"That he was authentic," Williams said. "He gave it his all. He was always real, being who he was.
"It would've been great to stay here and win a championship with my guys. But other than that, I don't regret anything I've been through. I appreciate every moment that I've had here."
