Sam Williams didn't get to have a 2024 NFL season.
The Dallas Cowboys' edge rusher tore his ACL in training camp, then he picked up a three-game suspension for violating the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy.
Now, Williams is trying to re-establish his name as a crucial one for Dallas.
In the Cowboys' final padded practice of training camp, Williams picked off Dak Prescott and raced the other way for a defensive touchdown.
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Cowboys owner Jerry Jones sees an overlap with one of the greatest players in the franchise's history: Michael Irvin.
“Sam is not fragile in terms of mental,” Jones told reporters, “but as Michael Irvin said when he had an injury that flashed before him the prospects of not playing again… it made his career to appreciate what he might miss. I think Sam has had that same realization.”
The Cowboys, still without Micah Parsons in the middle of his contract negotiations, will be hoping Williams can make a difference this season.
The 26-year old began his college career at Northeast Mississippi Community College, then ended up at Ole Miss.
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The Cowboys drafted him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
In his rookie season, he had 22 tackles, including 4.0 sacks.
The next year, he went for 26 tackles with 4.5 sacks.
Then came the lost 2024 season, and now Williams is back hoping to make his mark.
It's also a crucial season for Williams' future: He's entering the final year of his contract. He has to prove he deserves more chances.
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