Every one of us needs a role model in our life. And Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams is one of those people who was fortunate enough to have one in his family. Joining the Eagles as their third-round pick in 2021, Williams didn’t become an outright starter in Philadelphia.

His first-ever sack came on Halloween night when he got the better of Lions QB Jared Goff. Announcing himself to Philly, Williams didn’t only record a sack as he drove the Eagles’ defense with 4 tackles. Helping the Eagles win 44-6 on the night, Williams also made it to the Super Bowl LVII. Although the results didn’t go in the favor of the Eagles, Milton did record 1 tackle to leave his mark at the grandest stage of all. Now, the dedication to keep working harder was something his father, Williams Sr., installed into the Eagles DT from a very young age.

Who is Milton Williams’ father?

Williams’ father was a workhorse as he dealt with 13-hour shifts every day to help his family. Working as a truck driver, he drove to different locations like Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, where Williams played his college football. Although he used to return home late from daily shifts, Williams Sr. never refused to spend time with his kids, “So he was always getting up early, two in the morning, going to work. But he never missed a football game, track meet, basketball game, He never missed none of that stuff,” as per Williams’ mother.

Well, she wasn’t the only one who spoke highly of Williams’ father’s dedication to cheer for his kids no matter what happened. Williams himself idolized his father growing up: “Dad was driving 18-wheelers, but he always figured it out and never missed a game for me, both of my sisters. He always supported whatever we did. That just motivated me. He would get off work, like 5 o’clock, and he’d come to our games at 7 0’clock.”

When Williams was struggling to gain a foothold in Philly’s defense in his rookie year. His father’s motivation helped him navigate without making excuses, “By the time our game was over, we’d go home, and he would get ready for bed because he was going back to work in two hours. So, just watching him do that a long time, motivated me. I have no excuse.” As Williams enters his third year playing for the Eagles, his mother had an equally important role in him growing up.

Who is the Eagles’ DT’s mother?

Men in the Williams family are not the only ones who are a testament to their stronger selves. As Williams’ mother, Willanette is a breast cancer survivor herself. In a married life that stretches more than 30 years, Willanette has never missed a high school game either. Primarily, an elementary school counselor at Fort Worth ISD, Willanette completed her Bachelor of Science Degree from Texas College. Continuing her educational journey, she pursued her master’s in counselling from Prairie View A&M University.

And now, as a mother of an NFL player, two daughters and a granddaughter. She and Williams’ father continue to act as role models in his life. Seeing Milton Williams play every week, she and her husband would surely be happy with their son’s success in the top league.