When talking about the elite running backs that currently dominate the NFL, Kyren Williams’ name may not be mentioned among the Derrick Henrys and Saquon Barkleys of the world. But while most people believe the best running back in the NFC West is Christian McCaffrey, it is Williams who has been displaying the three A’s necessary to be great at the game of football: Ability, availability, and attitude.
A testament to his mother Taryn Williams, who is often spotted attending her son’s football games, Kyren Williams’ work ethic is second to none. While his mother advocated on her son’s behalf to prospective college programs, Williams could be spotted in his high school’s weight room at 5:30 in the morning, working towards what would be a scholarship offer from Notre Dame.
Williams has not forgotten his roots, displaying both a physical and mental toughness that can only be recognized among greatness. After not playing much during his rookie year and missing time mid-season last year, Williams returned with a vengeance. In his final six games of 2023, Williams ran for 688 yards (114.7 yards per game) and scored eight touchdowns on his way to his first 1,000-yard season.
Williams has maintained his blistering pace. After eight games in the 2024 season, Williams has 602 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns. With another 1,000-yard season on the horizon, Williams would be the first Ram with multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons since Todd Gurley.
While Williams sits outside the top 10 leading rushers in the NFL, it should be important to remember that no one ahead of him has had to deal with injuries to their offense’s two starting receivers, injured tackles and a replacement at center and left guard. Despite all these issues, Williams has remained productive as defenses centered their game plans around stopping the Notre Dame graduate.
Williams may have to wait his turn to become the running back king, but he will get his opportunity in the next few years. Henry is 30 years old, McCaffrey and Barkley both have documented injury histories and the new crop of backs show promise but only Jahmyr Gibbs and Chuba Hubbard have the jump-cut abilities of Williams.
Once the Rams get fully healthy and defenses have to cover multiple threats on the field, Williams will get his chance to embarrass people again. For those who forgot what Williams can do, he was 315 yards behind McCaffrey for the rushing title last season – and he played four fewer games.