Jameson Williams Embraces Pro Bowl Recognition, Keeps Focus on Lions’ Identity Ahead of Vikings Rematch
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ALLEN PARK, Mich. - Jameson Williams may not be one to dwell on accolades, but even he had to acknowledge the nod.
The Detroit Lions wide receiver was named a Pro Bowl alternate, and while he didn’t exactly throw a party over it, he appreciated the recognition.
“I guess it’s cool to get some recognition,” Williams said with a shrug. “I feel like I played just as good as everybody else - maybe not in catches or targets - but it is what it is. I’m thankful and grateful for it for sure.”
That’s classic Williams - confident, grounded, and already looking ahead. And what’s ahead is a critical rematch with the Minnesota Vikings, a game that carries weight not just in the standings but in the locker room’s mindset after back-to-back losses.
Back to Playing “Detroit Lions Football”
Williams isn’t sugarcoating it: the Lions haven’t looked like themselves lately. The offense has sputtered at times, and the team has been forced into comeback mode more often than they’d like - including in the first meeting with Minnesota.
“Last game we fell behind a little bit and had to play the catch-up game at the end,” Williams said. “We just got to play our ball and get back on track. We’ve got to get back to playing how we play - doing the right thing and playing Detroit Lions football.”
That means execution, rhythm, and controlling the tempo - not chasing it. And against a Vikings defense that loves to bring heat, sticking to their identity becomes even more important.
Handling the Blitz and Staying Composed
Minnesota’s aggressive blitz packages have been a staple of their defense, and Williams knows the challenge they present. But he also knows the Lions have seen this before - and they’re ready.
“Nothing really changes,” he said. “We see these guys a lot.
We know what they do. We’ve been taking it slow these last couple of days, analyzing what we’re going to see and how we’re going to attack certain things.
We’ve got a good game plan going into Thursday.”
He understands how that pressure up front helps Minnesota’s secondary - forcing quick throws and limiting deep shots.
“With the blitz, it helps the back end a lot,” Williams explained. “They don’t have to guard for a long time if the blitz gets there.
It goes hand in hand. If you blitz, I’m pretty sure the coach is expecting somebody to get back there.”
For Williams, that means staying sharp in his routes, reading coverages on the fly, and being ready to make plays when the window opens - even if it’s only for a split second.
No Panic in the Locker Room
Despite the recent losses and the tightening playoff picture, Williams says the mood inside the building is far from gloomy.
“Nobody’s disappointed. Everybody’s head is high,” he said.
“We still got a chance. Everybody’s happy to get a chance to go to work and do something we love doing.”
It’s a reminder that for many players, the love of the game runs deeper than the playoff math or headlines.
“It’s not all about the bigger picture that everybody else makes it about,” Williams added. “Some people play this game because they love the game. It’s not about the money or pleasing fans or anybody.”
Short Week, Short Memory
With only a few days to prepare between games, there’s no time to dwell on the loss to Pittsburgh.
“We can’t be thinking about what just happened on Sunday,” Williams said. “You only get 24 hours to think about it because you have to prepare for your next opponent. And our next opponent is coming way quicker than six or seven days.”
That’s the reality of a short week in the NFL - mental toughness, quick turnaround, and laser focus.
Christmas on the Road
This year, Christmas won’t come with home cooking or family time for the Lions - they’ll be on the road. And for Williams, that stings a bit.
“I think it would be better if we had a home game, but we’re away,” he said. “So I think it sucks that we’re away.”
Still, he’s got fond memories of the holiday - including one particular Christmas that blended joy, video games, and a sugar overload.
“Probably a PlayStation,” Williams said, recalling a favorite gift. “Me and my little brother, my big brother played the game probably all day in the front room.
I was sick on this Christmas - probably got sick from eating so many candy canes. We played the PlayStation probably like three days straight.”
WWE 2007, NBA 2K, Madden - those were the staples. And while he doesn’t claim an NBA team, he’s got his favorites.
“I just watch players from St. Louis - Jayson Tatum, Bradley Beal,” Williams said.
“My favorite player is probably Kevin Durant. He’s my favorite player ever.”
Business First, Fun Later
Williams has also toned things down on the field - at least when it comes to first-down celebrations.
“I ain’t even do no first down celebration last game,” he said with a grin. “I just got up, gave the ball to the ref.
No more fun. No more.
Just get up, get the ball to the ref.”
That’s not to say he’s lost his edge - just that the focus is on execution, especially with officials tightening up on offensive pass interference calls.
“Week to week, we get things that the officials bring to certain teams,” Williams said. “We go over things they’re keeping their eye on.
It’s all part of the game. We just have to focus on keeping our details together and playing the right game.”
No Finger Pointing
When asked about a penalty on young receiver Isaac TeSlaa, Williams didn’t hesitate to defend his teammate.
“I don’t even look at it as a mistake. It was just a play being made,” he said.
“Stuff happens. No matter what year, people who weren’t rookies made that same mistake before.
You can’t blame it on one play. We had like 70 more plays that whole game.”
It’s a veteran response from a player who’s quickly becoming a leader in the room - someone who understands that the path to winning isn’t about perfection, but about resilience, accountability, and staying true to who you are.
And for Jameson Williams and the Lions, that means getting back to playing their brand of football - fast, fearless, and together.