As the Patriots prepare for their Super Bowl trip to Santa Clara, there’s a powerful presence joining them on the flight - defensive coordinator Terrell Williams. Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed that Williams will be traveling with the team, and it’s a moment that carries weight far beyond Xs and Os.
“He’s doing good,” Vrabel said. “He’s excited about traveling with us... we’re excited about having him.”
Williams has been undergoing treatment for prostate cancer this season, and while his availability has been limited, his impact on the team has never wavered. He’s remained connected to the locker room and the defensive unit whenever possible - a testament to both his resilience and his leadership.
For the players, having him on this Super Bowl journey is more than just a morale boost - it’s a symbol of perseverance and unity.
“It means a lot,” said cornerback and team captain Marcus Jones. “First off, battling what he had to battle through... we’re glad that he’s feeling way better.
He’s been involved whenever he didn’t have to be. You know what I mean?
So, we’re happy about that for sure.”
Jones’ words speak to the respect Williams commands throughout the locker room. Even when he couldn’t be on the field full-time, his fingerprints were all over this defense - from the early installs to the late-season adjustments.
And it’s not just the defense that’s feeling his presence. Veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who doesn’t work directly with Williams, spoke about the coordinator’s influence across the entire team.
“Another road warrior,” Diggs said. “We’ve got a lot of love and respect for Coach T and his strength.
It’s admirable. Even when we see him around the building, everybody is smiling.
Everybody is hollering at him.”
That kind of energy - the kind that lifts a room just by walking in - is rare. And for a team in the biggest game of the year, it’s invaluable.
While Williams has remained part of the team’s fabric, the on-field responsibilities have shifted. Linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has stepped into the defensive play-calling role in Williams’ absence.
And over the past three weeks, the results speak for themselves. The Patriots’ defense has tightened the screws, allowing fewer than nine points per game.
That’s not just good - that’s championship-caliber.
The defensive staff has rallied around Kuhr, creating a collaborative environment that’s kept the unit sharp and aggressive. Increased blitzing, tighter man coverage - the tweaks have been bold, and they’ve worked.
“The defensive staff does a really good job of collaborating,” Vrabel said. “There’s a really good flow and a connection in there... helping Zak when we go in and talk about the game plan.”
Vrabel praised the openness of the room - a place where ideas are shared freely, and egos are checked at the door. That kind of culture has allowed Kuhr to thrive in the moment, and Vrabel made it clear the trust runs deep.
“Zak’s done a fantastic job,” Vrabel said. “I’ve said that numerous times, and I know that he’s going to be prepared to help us win.”
As the Patriots head west, they do so with their full defensive brain trust - both the one calling the plays and the one who helped shape the identity of this unit from the start. Terrell Williams’ presence on this trip is more than symbolic. It’s a reminder of what this team has fought through, what they’ve built together, and what they’re still chasing.