Williams had a neck injury in 2015. Had surgery to fuse a ruptured disc and two doctors cleared him to play. He had his best season ever in 2016. He finished third in the SEC in rushing with 1,360 yards and 12 touchdowns. He missed the top spot by 27 yards.
It seemed like he’d finish his college career. He’s a smart kid that wins academic awards. A routine play during the last spring 2017 practice game ended his playing. Rawleigh is ok now. But it was a wake up call for him.
I’m impressed how Coach Bielema has fully committed to help Rawleigh achieve his dreams off the field. That’s a class move.
Rawleigh will be working with the coaches as a student assistant this Fall. I wouldn’t be surprised if they steer him into coaching.
Yes, it’s awesome that the guy is smart enough to realize that all that hitting can have potentially life-altering, crippling effects and to stop subjecting his body to it so he can have a long, normal life, helping others to put themselves in harm’s way so somebody else can continue to get rich off the current oppressive sport’s system.
Not every athlete suffers an injury that makes them vulnerable the way that Williams did. He was able to step away without acrimony, and he’s being supported rather than having coaches talk him into risking his life in order to exploit his talent.
So yes, it is awesome.
You’re making it sound like he one day woke up and realized “gosh, sports are dangerous” and decided to instead be a person that enables others to be hurt. That’s a gross misrepresentation.
