Joejuan Williams ends NFL career after four seasons
Cornerback played 36 games for New England before brief stints with Bears, Vikings and Saints; has not played since 2023.
Former New England Patriots cornerback Joejuan Williams has announced his retirement from the National Football League, concluding a four-season professional career. The 2019 second-round draft pick revealed his decision via Instagram on Friday, marking the end of his time on the field after failing to secure a contract with another team in 2024.
Williams, who spent the majority of his tenure with the Patriots, appeared in 36 games during his time in New England, recording 44 tackles and eight passes defensed. He was selected by the Patriots out of Vanderbilt University, where he recorded 119 tackles, six tackles for loss, and four interceptions over three years.
Following his departure from New England, Williams had brief associations with several other franchises. He played four games for the Chicago Bears in 2023 before spending time on the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad, where he appeared in two games. He signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2024 but did not make the final roster.
In his statement, Williams expressed gratitude for the sport's impact on his personal development. He wrote that the game "transformed my life" and provided him with purpose, discipline, and relationships. He indicated that his next chapter would focus on impacting the game by helping others achieve their own goals.
Williams has not played a snap in each of the previous two seasons. After being cut by the Saints, he failed to sign with another team, leaving his post-playing career plans unspecified beyond his general desire to assist others in the sport.
