Connor Williams spent time with the Cowboys, Dolphins, and Seahawks before unexpectedly retiring at 27 years old.
Former Miami Dolphins center Connor Williams has retired from the NFL. Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald shared the news with reporters Friday, stating that Williams is retiring for ‘personal reasons’ after starting nine games this season.
Williams, 27, allowed two sacks while playing all 618 of Seattle’s offensive snaps through ten weeks. This marked an impressive recovery from the torn ACL he suffered last December after starting nine games for the Dolphins. Macdonald noted that Williams’ retirement was not due to lingering issues from the knee injury.
Williams was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He started 51 games at left guard before transitioning to center with the Dolphins in 2022 after signing a two-year contract. He allowed just three sacks in 1,056 snaps in his first season at center and his speed allowed him to excel as a run blocker, effectively sealing linebackers and safeties at the second level.
Williams signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Seahawks in August, shortly before the season began. He was responsible for 11 pressures and eight penalties through nine games, according to PFF. With Williams stepping away, Olu Oluwatimi is projected to start at center for Seattle on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.
