Texarkana-born Byron Williams attended UT Arlington on a football scholarship and was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1983. He went on to play 13 professional seasons as a wide receiver in the NFL, CFL and World League. Now, he is a businessman and president of the Former NFL Players Association of Dallas chapter.
One might think that everything just fell into place for Williams, but if you ask Williams how he accomplished everything, he'll answer with one word: perseverance.
"A person has to dream big and has to believe in themselves," Williams says. "The American Dream is all about you having the attitude, believing in yourself and having the commitment to your natural skills and talents. With that, living the American Dream is always possible. That's what I always tell my kids."
One thing that Williams absolutely loves about Arlington, which he calls the "heartbeat of the Dallas-Fort Worth area," is how the City engages the youth population. "It's a good family city," he says. Between the YMCA, Girls & Boys Club, and the activities and various sports offered, kids have the opportunity to be involved in something year-round.
With his affinity for engaging young people and his knack for leadership and honed athleticism, Williams continues to live his American Dream in Arlington by giving back through his football mini-camps, where Williams connects with children to explain how lessons from the game can be applied in their lives.
"The camps are educational, and student athletes can understand what life is all about."
American Dream City
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