ACQUIRED: Signed by Roughriders in January 2023.

YEARS WITH ROUGHRIDERS: 2

YEARS IN CFL: 2

2023: In 14 games as a first-year CFLer, Williams registered 41 defensive tackles and one interception while being used extensively as a starting defensive halfback. Williams made his first CFL interception on July 15 against the visiting Calgary Stampeders.

PRO: Williams signed with Seattle as an undrafted free agent and spent training camp with the Seahawks in 2022. He played in all three of Seattle’s NFL pre-season games, registering seven defensive tackles.

COLLEGE: Williams spent four seasons (2018-21) with the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers. In 29 games, he recorded 122 defensive tackles (6.5 for a loss), one sack, six interceptions (including four in 2021), 15 pass knockdowns, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He earned All-Big Ten honourable mention recognition in 2020 and 2021.

FAST FACT: Roosevelt Williams, Deontai’s father, played in the NFL as a defensive back with the Chicago Bears (13 games in 2002) and Cleveland Browns (seven games in 2003).

MEDIA

• Football is a calling for Roughriders defensive back Deontai Williams
• Video: May 30, 2023 interview
• Video: June 15, 2023 pre-game

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