Stephen A. Smith Stands Firm on Praise for Terrell Williams Amid Patriots’ Defensive Surge
As the New England Patriots prepare for the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos, the spotlight isn’t just on their improbable playoff run under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel-it’s also on a moment of controversy surrounding ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and his recent comments about Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams.
Smith drew attention earlier this week when he credited Williams for orchestrating one of the league’s top defenses this season, despite the fact that Williams has been away from full-time coaching duties since early September due to a prostate cancer diagnosis. The 51-year-old was on the sidelines for the Patriots’ season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders but stepped back from daily responsibilities shortly after.
Since then, inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has taken over the bulk of defensive duties-leading meetings, calling plays, and serving as the de facto defensive coordinator. Despite Kuhr’s increased role, Williams has remained involved behind the scenes, contributing to game-planning and maintaining communication with coaches and players.
That nuance, however, was lost in Smith’s initial on-air remarks. Speaking on First Take, he passionately praised Williams’ role in the Patriots’ defensive success, saying, “There is a brother coaching that defense-Terrell Williams.
We haven’t mentioned him all year long. Reunited with Mike Vrabel-he used to be with him in Tennessee.
This man has done a hell of a job with a defense that is ranked top five in the National Football League.”
The comment quickly went viral-not because of the sentiment, but because of the omission of Williams’ health situation and the fact that he hasn’t been on the sidelines for most of the season. Critics pointed out the oversight, especially given that Smith had recently come under fire for confusing Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk with conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
But rather than backtrack, Smith doubled down on social media, defending his remarks and offering additional context. “Nice try!”
he wrote. “First of all, we reported earlier in the year that he was out due to prostate cancer when it happened.
Secondly, he still talks to coaches for game-planning purposes. Thirdly, forgetting to mention all of that is different than not knowing.”
He continued, “Plus it really doesn’t matter when I’ve got experts like [analysts] Ryan Clark and Cam [Newton] backing me up. But keep pushing the story.
Hope it gets the clicks folks want. Carry on!”
While the debate around Smith’s comments continues to swirl, inside the Patriots’ locker room, there’s no question about the respect and admiration for Williams. Despite his limited physical presence this season, his influence has remained strong. In early January, he was seen walking through the team’s facility, and players have spoken openly about the emotional lift his presence provides.
Quarterback Drake Maye, who’s emerged as a key leader in his rookie season, spoke from the heart when asked about Williams. “It’s awesome seeing him around,” Maye said.
“Anytime he’s around, it brings joy to us. It brings joy to the locker room.
It brings joy to see his face, see how he’s doing. Just praying for him.”
He added, “He’s continuing to fight, and what a story. It’s been something for us to rally around and somebody to care about.
Another thing is that it’s just bigger than football, and just props to him for seeing him in here a couple times throughout the year. It’s been cool to see.”
Back in the fall, Vrabel was transparent about the uncertain nature of Williams’ role going forward, stating, “I don’t quite fully know in what capacity... so we’ll continue to just make sure there is a good plan for everything that happens, just like we always have been.”
Reports in December indicated that Williams has stayed involved in shaping the defensive strategy, even if from a distance. And the results speak for themselves-New England’s defense has been among the league’s best, a key reason they’re one win away from the Super Bowl.
So while Smith’s delivery may have sparked debate, the core of his message isn’t lost on those in Foxborough. Terrell Williams’ fingerprints are still all over this Patriots defense-even if his presence hasn’t always been visible on Sundays. And for a team that’s found strength in adversity, that quiet leadership might be the most powerful force of all.