What Happened to Joejuan Williams?
Joejuan Williams, a former NFL cornerback drafted by the New England Patriots in 2019, concluded his playing career after stints with multiple teams. He announced his retirement from professional football on May 16, 2026, and has since transitioned into coaching, rejoining the New England Patriots' staff in July 2026 through the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship.
Quick Answer
Joejuan Williams retired from professional football on May 16, 2026, at the age of 28, after a career that included playing for the New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Saints. Following his retirement, he swiftly moved into coaching. As of July 19, 2026, Williams has returned to the New England Patriots organization, joining their coaching staff as part of the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Nashville, Tennessee
Joejuan Williams was born in Nashville, Tennessee.
Committed to Vanderbilt University
Williams committed to play college football for the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Earned Second-team All-SEC Honors
As a junior at Vanderbilt, Williams was named Second-team All-SEC by the coaches.
Declared for NFL Draft
Williams announced his decision to forgo his senior year and enter the 2019 NFL Draft.
Drafted by New England Patriots
The New England Patriots selected Joejuan Williams in the second round, 45th overall, of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Placed on Injured Reserve by Patriots
Williams suffered a shoulder injury during the preseason, ending his 2022 season and leading to him being placed on injured reserve.
Signed with Minnesota Vikings
After his contract with the Patriots expired, Williams signed with the Minnesota Vikings.
Signed by Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears signed Williams off the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad.
Re-signed to Minnesota Vikings Practice Squad
After being released by the Bears, Williams returned to the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad for a second stint.
Released by Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings released Williams after he had signed a reserve/future contract with them in January 2024.
Signed with New Orleans Saints
Williams signed with the New Orleans Saints, marking another attempt to secure a roster spot.
Released by New Orleans Saints
Williams was released by the Saints just one week after signing, without playing a regular-season game for the team.
Announced Retirement from NFL
Joejuan Williams officially announced his retirement from professional football via an Instagram post.
Began Coaching Career with Washington Commanders
Shortly after retiring, Williams began his coaching career, including a two-week Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Washington Commanders.
Joined New England Patriots Coaching Staff
Williams rejoined the New England Patriots organization as part of their coaching staff through the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Joejuan Williams, born December 6, 1997, began his collegiate football career at Vanderbilt University, where he played from 2016 to 2018. He distinguished himself in his junior year, earning Second-team All-SEC honors in 2018 before declaring for the NFL Draft.
Williams was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round, 45th overall, of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was seen as a promising prospect due to his imposing size and college production, with expectations that he could develop into a physical bump-and-run cornerback. During his tenure with the Patriots from 2019 to 2022, Williams played in 36 regular-season games, making one start. His contributions were often seen on special teams, where he recorded seven tackles. His 2022 season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve in August due to a shoulder injury.
After leaving the Patriots, Williams embarked on a journeyman period in 2023 and 2024. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings in April 2023, was waived, and then re-signed to their practice squad. Later that year, in September 2023, he was signed by the Chicago Bears off the Vikings' practice squad but was released by October. He then returned to the Vikings' practice squad in November 2023, signing a reserve/future contract in January 2024 before being released again in May 2024. His final playing opportunity came in August 2024 when he signed with the New Orleans Saints, but he was released just a week later without appearing in a regular-season game.
On May 16, 2026, Williams announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 28 via an Instagram post, expressing gratitude for his career and signaling a desire to help others achieve their dreams. He wasted no time transitioning into his next chapter, initially working with Vanderbilt and completing a two-week Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Washington Commanders. As of July 19, 2026, Joejuan Williams has made a surprising return to the New England Patriots organization, joining their coaching staff through the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship, marking a new phase in his football journey.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Joejuan Williams made different choices?