November 15, 2024 • 16 mins
In this episode of the Packers POV podcast, safety Evan Williams talks about growing up in California, details his relationship with Packers fans and shares his goals for the rest of this season.
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Speaker 1 (00:05):
Hello, and welcome to Packers POV, a podcast that aims
to shine a light on the human behind the helmet.
I'm your host, Taylor Rodgers, and we are here inside
historic lambeau Field. Today's guest became the first University of
Oregon defensive player to be drafted by Green Bay in
seventy years. Halfway through his first season, he's already forced
(00:26):
multiple takeaways, introducing Packers' safety Evan Williams, how.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Are we doing? How are we doing? I'm glad to
be here, man.
Speaker 1 (00:33):
Yeah, it's great to have you. Man.
Speaker 3 (00:35):
Oh no, I mean the pleasures online. I'm glad to
be able to share some stuff with you, and yeah,
just get this going well.
Speaker 1 (00:41):
Thanks for taking time mid season. I know in reading
your bio that has Oregon and now Green Bay, but
you've spent nearly your whole life in northern California's South Bay.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
Hmm. Absolutely. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (00:53):
I grew up in a little town called Campbell, California.
Not many people know about it, so i'd normally shrink
it down from from Bay Area. It's you know, a
little under San Francisco to San Jose. Most people get
San Jose, but yeah, I grew up there.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
My whole life. Love that place to death.
Speaker 3 (01:08):
I haven't been, and I mean since the season started, obviously,
but no, yeah, I'm proud to call that place home.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Yeah, it's a great place. I've spent some time in
the Bay Area, have visited Campbell briefly. And you are
less than an hour from some of the marquee surf places.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
In the world.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
And you're a self described water kid.
Speaker 2 (01:28):
Absolutely, man, I don't know where you got that.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
I must have said that somewhere, but yeah, no, I
definitely loved the water, you know, growing up. It's actually
funny like when I was like really young, growing up,
I must have liked the water a little too much
because I was like two or three years old, maybe
even less, and I was in Hawaii and my mom
turned around to get my floaty for the kiddie pool,
(01:50):
then turned back around and I was in the pool, submerged,
looking up, you know, completely underwater, looking up to her.
And she never fails to mention that every time I
mentioned some water. But oh yeah, I definitely I have
loved the water, you know, grown up in California, there's
definitely a lot of spots to you know, go ahead
and swim around from Santa Cruz to Monterey to you know,
(02:11):
wherever you want to go.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
It's a it's a great spot.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
Yeah, and you've got half Moon Bay just to the north.
Did you spend a lot of time going to beaches
growing up?
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Absolutely? Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (02:21):
I feel like it was mostly like after Pop Warner
games and stuff, we played like Half of a Bay,
or we play a Monterey or something out there, and
while you're out there, you know, might as well go
stop by the beach after you know, an early Pop
Warner game, or it would be me and my brother
playing you know.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
A couple hours later. So yeah, it was a cool.
Speaker 3 (02:39):
Little family deal to you know, be able to go
to a bunch of beaches growing up.
Speaker 2 (02:43):
Went to the board walk.
Speaker 3 (02:44):
Every now and then, you know, And yeah, I mean
there's a lot of good spots for me growing up.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
And you mentioned your brother. Were you guys competitive from
the very beginning?
Speaker 3 (02:52):
Most definitely. I Mean one of the first things that
comes to mind is there's a home footage video of
me and my brother, I think of my parents asked
us to go get the newspaper out on the lawn
and I was like, oh, it's cold out there, and
then my brother gets up to go like whatever, I'll
go do it. And then right after he gets out
of the door, I sprint, you know, take off right
(03:14):
right behind him. He's all walking down the like the pavement,
the tile, and I b line across the lawn, you know,
the morning dewey lawn. Go pick up the newspaper or
what's left of it, you know, race him back to
the front door. But yeah, definitely was competitive with him,
you know, just wanted to be as good as I
(03:34):
could be, wanted to be like him in a bunch
of ways. So yeah, definitely had a great friendly competition.
I think growing up my whole childhood, well.
Speaker 1 (03:42):
Wanting to be like him stands out to me because
you did end up going from Fresno State where you're
originally at school and going to his alma mater Oregon. Now,
you guys didn't cross paths, But did he at all
propel you to go to Eugene.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Yeah, I think he definitely aided in that, you know,
that process.
Speaker 3 (04:01):
I don't think it was as much as oh, I
want to you know, go to the same college as him,
or you know, I want to be just like him
in that sense, as much as it was just He
told me all about the resources you have there, you know,
the wonderful coaching staff, just the the level of coaching
you're going to get there, as well as just the
culture that's being created there. And just you know, from
seeing it from myself, you know, kind of from Afar
(04:22):
to him, you know, describing it, I just had really
a great feeling about the whole organization and it just
felt like home. And uh yeah, kind of made that
decision my last year at Fresno and uh, very glad.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
I did you know it ended out well for me.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
And while you were at Fresno State, you actually faced
off with your brother. What was that like?
Speaker 3 (04:41):
No, Yeah, that was an unbelievable experience, just having you know,
my family out to the game, had my girlfriend's family
out to the game, just everybody out there supporting. And uh,
I remember the first player We're both on the field.
It was a special teams play obviously because he played
defense too at Oregon, and he was on punt and
I was on punt return and I was on the
same side as him, and I was.
Speaker 2 (05:02):
Just like bee and he looks at me. I'm like
this is crazy or I forgot really what I said.
Speaker 3 (05:08):
But It was just a great moment, you know, to share,
you know, after all we've been through, just to you know,
finally be on that stage having fun playing a game
we love.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
It was definitely something I'm gonna remember.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
For a while. So you're actually shouting out to your brother, Bennett. Yeah,
and I'm getting chills just thinking about that, because not
a lot of siblings ever get that opportunity at that level.
Speaker 3 (05:29):
You've also called yourself the harder hitter. M you know,
I'll stand by that. I come with a little extra violence.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
You know.
Speaker 3 (05:37):
It was early on in our careers he was known
as more of the ballhawk. Like in high school he
had a bunch of you know, interceptions, I think set
our school record for you know a number of interceptions
or something like that.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
And I don't know, I just needed something to be
better at.
Speaker 3 (05:50):
And I thought I had better ball skills, you know,
growing up, but kind of just developed to I think
somebody asked me in an interview or something to ask
me if I was a harder hitter.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
And you know, still believe it rings true to this day.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
While we're talking. Hands to your credit at Saint Francis
High School, you did set the school record for receiving touchdowns.
So let's give yourself some props, please.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
I'll take that. I'll definitely take that.
Speaker 3 (06:15):
It's funny because that time just flew by, and I
think somebody said it like after the year was over
that I set the record and it just didn't feel
like it was real just because how fast it went.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
But I'll take that on the shoulder for sure.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
Yeah, and it comes into play here, your first game
in lambeau Field, Week two against the Colts, and you're
lining up to basically defend the end zone at this
point in the game. Can you walk us through that?
Speaker 3 (06:38):
I int Yeah, I was in the right place at
the right time. Truthfully, it was just a hail Mary scenario.
You know. I'll have to shout out Anthony Richardson because
he kind of put up a good ball out there.
You know. I was able to launch that a good
seventy yards downfield. And yeah, I mean I just remember
kind of being in a good position, wanted to keep
everything in front of me. I kind of just went
(06:59):
to the landing spot right, and I didn't feel like
I was gonna be able to, you know, tip it
off the first jump, so I kind of just hung
back there.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
I might have got a little bit off the ground just.
Speaker 3 (07:08):
From anticipation, you know, nervous anticipation, and then yeah, it
really just kind of just fell into my hands.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
You know.
Speaker 3 (07:14):
I was able to secure it, roll over and celebrate
with the rest of the team. So it was first
pick definitely, you know, an exciting moment for me.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
And it's not a one off play. You returned to
California week five against the Rams, your first NFL start,
You lead the team in tackles, and you seal the
game with a pass breakup. What's going through your mind
at that point?
Speaker 3 (07:37):
Yeah, I mean, truthfully, I was just thinking about making
my family proud. I had a lot of people at
the game. I had probably twenty people you know that
came through you know, aunts, uncles, just family from around
friend's family, and so I was just thinking, Okay, let
me put out a good show and just so you know,
my family can be proud of me out there watching
their you know.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Baby boy on the big stage.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
So my mom tells me before every game, just to
have fun, you know, just tell your story.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
You know, go out there. You've done the preparation, it's
all behind you.
Speaker 3 (08:04):
Just go let loose and that's really what it felt like,
you know, my first start. Just when I got into
that field, it was really just fun. The fun of
football really returned for me. I was just able to
play fast and made a few plays and yeah, it
all ended out well, you know, got the dub and
was able to celebrate with the family, the team. It
was a pretty awesome moment.
Speaker 1 (08:23):
Yeah that sounds it. And what a cool piece of
advice for mom.
Speaker 3 (08:27):
You know, she's been just a really special person in
my life, you know, from day one. And yeah, I
mean before every game, she will send me a text
or give me a call, you know, just you know,
letting me know that she believes in me. You know,
she's always in my corner. I feel like those texts
you know, just from her, from my dad, from anybody
you know and my close family, from my girlfriend, they
just really calmed me down, you know before a game,
(08:50):
puts everything into perspective and really just allows me to
go out there and play free.
Speaker 1 (08:55):
Who is someone that's really helped your transition to the
NFL this season?
Speaker 3 (08:59):
I mean on the team, I would probably say X
has been the biggest help for me. He's taught me
everything about what it means to be a pro right
just in your preparation and you know, how you take
care of your body, your nutrition, you're just everything off
the field. You know that translates to being a successful
football player as well as on the field. You know,
his his study habits are you know, second to none,
(09:21):
and he's really just helped me, you know, progress through
this you know, first year process where I'm kind of
just trying to be a sponge, you know, pick up
whatever information I can. He's been someone I've definitely you know,
been able to rely on and has definitely helped me
in this first year.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
And of course we're talking about Xavier McKinney. Yeah, NFC
Defensive Player of the Month for October. What's something that
he's really taught you outside of football?
Speaker 2 (09:46):
I would probably say he gave me a tip probably.
Speaker 3 (09:49):
About a week or two ago, and I asked him
on the day of the game, like what are you
watching like on your iPad, Like what film are you watching?
You know, to get ready, just because I'm trying to,
you know, be the student that I am. And he
just told me, honestly, the day of the game, I'm
not watching too much, like I'm really just locked in.
You know, I'll watch maybe QB vision tape like just
(10:10):
to see you know, the final quarterback mannerisms. But other
than that, I'm just you know, holding a clear head,
just trying to mentally get prepared for the game. And uh,
I really took that with me just as a lesson
to you know, do your preparation and then kind of
once it's time to execute, play fast, play free, try
not to be too uptight, you know, trying to do
(10:30):
too much or you know, being really on edge, because
you know, I've been victim of that in the past,
and that advice really just helped me to kind of
let loose during games and uh, just understand that I'm prepared,
I'm ready for the moment, and uh go out there
and next cue.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
That's a great bit of advice too, and your mom
would probably agree with that.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
Yeah, Ice, right, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (10:51):
One factor here in Green Bay that might be different
is the fans. You've definitely done a great job of
explaining your appreciation for fans and even go so far
to say that Packer fans want you to succeed. Can
you elaborate on that a little bit?
Speaker 3 (11:08):
Yeah, I feel like ever since I've you know, step
foot in Green Bay. Just the overall sense of community
and yeah, just sense it's togetherness. It just feels like
as a whole, this town is just really connected. I
remember it was the first time I got noticed. It
must have been that like hobby lobby or something. I'm
getting stuff from my apartment. It was somebody that noticed me.
I think it was just a middle aged guy and just.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Goes, are you having Williams?
Speaker 3 (11:30):
And I'm like, yeah, like and he's like, dude, great
job this past week. You know, like I've really like noticed,
just like you're going to have a really great year.
And then he just left and so that that interaction
kind of just left me like, hmm, this is like
this is the type of town that just like they
respect you, they encourage you, but you know, they're not
all up in your face, like they're not like doing
the most. They just really want to see you succeed.
(11:52):
And uh, I mean that's the truth to the fullest.
You know that That's all I've seen from this community
is just you know, nothing but love and support and
feel you know, pretty appreciative to be a part of
something like that.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
You mentioned community. You've been here about six months now.
How would you describe the relationship between the community here
in Green Bay and Evan Williams.
Speaker 2 (12:12):
I feel like the connection is still growing.
Speaker 3 (12:14):
I think one of my fondest memories, you know, was
my first training camp, just walking out to my first
training camp, just because they told me about, you know,
the whole bike's thing, and I'm like, okay, like I'll
ride somebody's bike, and you know, it'll be a fun thing.
But it's just the level of enthusiasm, the level of
you know, just how excited you know these kids are,
these parents are to see you, you know, go out
(12:35):
there and practice and just live out our dreams and
then you know, let alone to ride their bike.
Speaker 2 (12:39):
You know, it's a practice.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
Like the faces you should see on these kids, it's
something that you can't mimic. I feel like that connection
to the players is unique to Green Bay from what
I've seen compared to around the league. And definitely hope
that I get to interact more with this community and
just do as much as I can.
Speaker 1 (12:56):
I can see it on your face, man, you get
at that look. This is obviously impacting you a lot too.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
Oh yeah, for sure.
Speaker 3 (13:04):
I mean it's just taught me a lot about you know, gratitude,
just being you know, extremely thankful for wherever you are
in your life and just trying to be where your
feet are, you know, to try to enjoy those moments
and to just really be thankful, you know, for wherever
you are, whether that be you know, you're injured or
you're on top of the mountain, right, there's always something
(13:24):
to be thankful for. And uh, it's been pretty awesome
to have that perspective, you know, coming into here.
Speaker 1 (13:29):
That's a strong sentiment, it feels like from you because
I remember the first time you met with reporters here
at Lambeau, you said, whenever I'm in a high or
low feeling, I try to sit in that moment and
be grateful. Where does that approach that you were just
talking about stem from.
Speaker 3 (13:45):
Really, I feel like I'm just a result of all
my experiences.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
I have to give the greatest.
Speaker 3 (13:50):
You know, amount of thanks to my family, my parents
first and foremost, just because you know, my parents have
really just been my rocks from day one, have helped
build and you know, just mold me into who I
am today, taught me so many lessons that you know,
I still carry with myself just you know, respect everybody,
you know, be humble, be gracious, you know, through everything
you do. And yeah, i'd say, you know, my teammates second,
(14:12):
just all the people that I've encountered with. You know,
I have a list of special coaches that have you know,
been a great influence on me. And yeah, I've just
taught me the power of perspective, have taught me the
power of holding gratitude and everything you do. And you know,
I truly believe that, you know, you attack something with
just a different level of energy, a different level of
passion when you're grateful to be there in the first place.
(14:32):
So yeah, I just try to, you know, carry that
into every practice, every every rep. You know, just not
many people get to play football for a living, and
I try to never forget that and everything I do.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
Now to that point, what are your goals the rest
of this season with family and your teammates in mind.
Speaker 3 (14:49):
M M, I would probably say for the rest of
the season, I just want to put my best effort
on tape. I feel like my family is most proud
of me just when they see me loving to do
what I love to do, like when I'm out there
just having fun. My mom always will tell me or
my mom or dad, you know, will tell me you
look like you are having fun out there, And you know,
I find that that's the best compliment, just because.
Speaker 2 (15:11):
Like if you're able to love what you do, you
just have.
Speaker 3 (15:13):
A different level of energy, you know, when you're on
the field, you know, and I find that I often
play better, you know, when I'm just thankful for the moment,
you know, when I'm out there just loving what I do,
you know, connecting with my teammates and just playing free,
you know. And that goes for my teammates as well,
you know, just having their back throughout the whole season
and just yeah, playing as hard as I can, you know,
knowing that this is a team effort. You know, in everything,
(15:37):
doing your one eleventh is the most important thing, and
so yeah, just try to, you know, put my best
effort out there and put my best stuff on film.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
Hey man, your enthusiasm and your gratitude are both truly genuine,
and it was an honor sitting down with you. Thank
you so much, Evan.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
I appreciate you. Thank you very much, man, and.
Speaker 1 (15:54):
Thank you for listening to Packers POV to learn more
about what Evan is doing off the field. Visit his
instagram E Dub Underscore thirty two, Take care and see
you next time.
Hello, and welcome to Packers POV, a podcast that aims
to shine a light on the human behind the helmet.
I'm your host, Taylor Rodgers, and we are here inside
historic lambeau Field. Today's guest became the first University of
Oregon defensive player to be drafted by Green Bay in
seventy years. Halfway through his first season, he's already forced
(00:26):
multiple takeaways, introducing Packers' safety Evan Williams, how.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Are we doing? How are we doing? I'm glad to
be here, man.
Speaker 1 (00:33):
Yeah, it's great to have you. Man.
Speaker 3 (00:35):
Oh no, I mean the pleasures online. I'm glad to
be able to share some stuff with you, and yeah,
just get this going well.
Speaker 1 (00:41):
Thanks for taking time mid season. I know in reading
your bio that has Oregon and now Green Bay, but
you've spent nearly your whole life in northern California's South Bay.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
Hmm. Absolutely. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (00:53):
I grew up in a little town called Campbell, California.
Not many people know about it, so i'd normally shrink
it down from from Bay Area. It's you know, a
little under San Francisco to San Jose. Most people get
San Jose, but yeah, I grew up there.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
My whole life. Love that place to death.
Speaker 3 (01:08):
I haven't been, and I mean since the season started, obviously,
but no, yeah, I'm proud to call that place home.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Yeah, it's a great place. I've spent some time in
the Bay Area, have visited Campbell briefly. And you are
less than an hour from some of the marquee surf places.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
In the world.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
And you're a self described water kid.
Speaker 2 (01:28):
Absolutely, man, I don't know where you got that.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
I must have said that somewhere, but yeah, no, I
definitely loved the water, you know, growing up. It's actually
funny like when I was like really young, growing up,
I must have liked the water a little too much
because I was like two or three years old, maybe
even less, and I was in Hawaii and my mom
turned around to get my floaty for the kiddie pool,
(01:50):
then turned back around and I was in the pool, submerged,
looking up, you know, completely underwater, looking up to her.
And she never fails to mention that every time I
mentioned some water. But oh yeah, I definitely I have
loved the water, you know, grown up in California, there's
definitely a lot of spots to you know, go ahead
and swim around from Santa Cruz to Monterey to you know,
(02:11):
wherever you want to go.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
It's a it's a great spot.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
Yeah, and you've got half Moon Bay just to the north.
Did you spend a lot of time going to beaches
growing up?
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Absolutely? Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (02:21):
I feel like it was mostly like after Pop Warner
games and stuff, we played like Half of a Bay,
or we play a Monterey or something out there, and
while you're out there, you know, might as well go
stop by the beach after you know, an early Pop
Warner game, or it would be me and my brother
playing you know.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
A couple hours later. So yeah, it was a cool.
Speaker 3 (02:39):
Little family deal to you know, be able to go
to a bunch of beaches growing up.
Speaker 2 (02:43):
Went to the board walk.
Speaker 3 (02:44):
Every now and then, you know, And yeah, I mean
there's a lot of good spots for me growing up.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
And you mentioned your brother. Were you guys competitive from
the very beginning?
Speaker 3 (02:52):
Most definitely. I Mean one of the first things that
comes to mind is there's a home footage video of
me and my brother, I think of my parents asked
us to go get the newspaper out on the lawn
and I was like, oh, it's cold out there, and
then my brother gets up to go like whatever, I'll
go do it. And then right after he gets out
of the door, I sprint, you know, take off right
(03:14):
right behind him. He's all walking down the like the pavement,
the tile, and I b line across the lawn, you know,
the morning dewey lawn. Go pick up the newspaper or
what's left of it, you know, race him back to
the front door. But yeah, definitely was competitive with him,
you know, just wanted to be as good as I
(03:34):
could be, wanted to be like him in a bunch
of ways. So yeah, definitely had a great friendly competition.
I think growing up my whole childhood, well.
Speaker 1 (03:42):
Wanting to be like him stands out to me because
you did end up going from Fresno State where you're
originally at school and going to his alma mater Oregon. Now,
you guys didn't cross paths, But did he at all
propel you to go to Eugene.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Yeah, I think he definitely aided in that, you know,
that process.
Speaker 3 (04:01):
I don't think it was as much as oh, I
want to you know, go to the same college as him,
or you know, I want to be just like him
in that sense, as much as it was just He
told me all about the resources you have there, you know,
the wonderful coaching staff, just the the level of coaching
you're going to get there, as well as just the
culture that's being created there. And just you know, from
seeing it from myself, you know, kind of from Afar
(04:22):
to him, you know, describing it, I just had really
a great feeling about the whole organization and it just
felt like home. And uh yeah, kind of made that
decision my last year at Fresno and uh, very glad.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
I did you know it ended out well for me.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
And while you were at Fresno State, you actually faced
off with your brother. What was that like?
Speaker 3 (04:41):
No, Yeah, that was an unbelievable experience, just having you know,
my family out to the game, had my girlfriend's family
out to the game, just everybody out there supporting. And uh,
I remember the first player We're both on the field.
It was a special teams play obviously because he played
defense too at Oregon, and he was on punt and
I was on punt return and I was on the
same side as him, and I was.
Speaker 2 (05:02):
Just like bee and he looks at me. I'm like
this is crazy or I forgot really what I said.
Speaker 3 (05:08):
But It was just a great moment, you know, to share,
you know, after all we've been through, just to you know,
finally be on that stage having fun playing a game
we love.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
It was definitely something I'm gonna remember.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
For a while. So you're actually shouting out to your brother, Bennett. Yeah,
and I'm getting chills just thinking about that, because not
a lot of siblings ever get that opportunity at that level.
Speaker 3 (05:29):
You've also called yourself the harder hitter. M you know,
I'll stand by that. I come with a little extra violence.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
You know.
Speaker 3 (05:37):
It was early on in our careers he was known
as more of the ballhawk. Like in high school he
had a bunch of you know, interceptions, I think set
our school record for you know a number of interceptions
or something like that.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
And I don't know, I just needed something to be
better at.
Speaker 3 (05:50):
And I thought I had better ball skills, you know,
growing up, but kind of just developed to I think
somebody asked me in an interview or something to ask
me if I was a harder hitter.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
And you know, still believe it rings true to this day.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
While we're talking. Hands to your credit at Saint Francis
High School, you did set the school record for receiving touchdowns.
So let's give yourself some props, please.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
I'll take that. I'll definitely take that.
Speaker 3 (06:15):
It's funny because that time just flew by, and I
think somebody said it like after the year was over
that I set the record and it just didn't feel
like it was real just because how fast it went.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
But I'll take that on the shoulder for sure.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
Yeah, and it comes into play here, your first game
in lambeau Field, Week two against the Colts, and you're
lining up to basically defend the end zone at this
point in the game. Can you walk us through that?
Speaker 3 (06:38):
I int Yeah, I was in the right place at
the right time. Truthfully, it was just a hail Mary scenario.
You know. I'll have to shout out Anthony Richardson because
he kind of put up a good ball out there.
You know. I was able to launch that a good
seventy yards downfield. And yeah, I mean I just remember
kind of being in a good position, wanted to keep
everything in front of me. I kind of just went
(06:59):
to the landing spot right, and I didn't feel like
I was gonna be able to, you know, tip it
off the first jump, so I kind of just hung
back there.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
I might have got a little bit off the ground just.
Speaker 3 (07:08):
From anticipation, you know, nervous anticipation, and then yeah, it
really just kind of just fell into my hands.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
You know.
Speaker 3 (07:14):
I was able to secure it, roll over and celebrate
with the rest of the team. So it was first
pick definitely, you know, an exciting moment for me.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
And it's not a one off play. You returned to
California week five against the Rams, your first NFL start,
You lead the team in tackles, and you seal the
game with a pass breakup. What's going through your mind
at that point?
Speaker 3 (07:37):
Yeah, I mean, truthfully, I was just thinking about making
my family proud. I had a lot of people at
the game. I had probably twenty people you know that
came through you know, aunts, uncles, just family from around
friend's family, and so I was just thinking, Okay, let
me put out a good show and just so you know,
my family can be proud of me out there watching
their you know.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Baby boy on the big stage.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
So my mom tells me before every game, just to
have fun, you know, just tell your story.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
You know, go out there. You've done the preparation, it's
all behind you.
Speaker 3 (08:04):
Just go let loose and that's really what it felt like,
you know, my first start. Just when I got into
that field, it was really just fun. The fun of
football really returned for me. I was just able to
play fast and made a few plays and yeah, it
all ended out well, you know, got the dub and
was able to celebrate with the family, the team. It
was a pretty awesome moment.
Speaker 1 (08:23):
Yeah that sounds it. And what a cool piece of
advice for mom.
Speaker 3 (08:27):
You know, she's been just a really special person in
my life, you know, from day one. And yeah, I
mean before every game, she will send me a text
or give me a call, you know, just you know,
letting me know that she believes in me. You know,
she's always in my corner. I feel like those texts
you know, just from her, from my dad, from anybody
you know and my close family, from my girlfriend, they
just really calmed me down, you know before a game,
(08:50):
puts everything into perspective and really just allows me to
go out there and play free.
Speaker 1 (08:55):
Who is someone that's really helped your transition to the
NFL this season?
Speaker 3 (08:59):
I mean on the team, I would probably say X
has been the biggest help for me. He's taught me
everything about what it means to be a pro right
just in your preparation and you know, how you take
care of your body, your nutrition, you're just everything off
the field. You know that translates to being a successful
football player as well as on the field. You know,
his his study habits are you know, second to none,
(09:21):
and he's really just helped me, you know, progress through
this you know, first year process where I'm kind of
just trying to be a sponge, you know, pick up
whatever information I can. He's been someone I've definitely you know,
been able to rely on and has definitely helped me
in this first year.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
And of course we're talking about Xavier McKinney. Yeah, NFC
Defensive Player of the Month for October. What's something that
he's really taught you outside of football?
Speaker 2 (09:46):
I would probably say he gave me a tip probably.
Speaker 3 (09:49):
About a week or two ago, and I asked him
on the day of the game, like what are you
watching like on your iPad, Like what film are you watching?
You know, to get ready, just because I'm trying to,
you know, be the student that I am. And he
just told me, honestly, the day of the game, I'm
not watching too much, like I'm really just locked in.
You know, I'll watch maybe QB vision tape like just
(10:10):
to see you know, the final quarterback mannerisms. But other
than that, I'm just you know, holding a clear head,
just trying to mentally get prepared for the game. And uh,
I really took that with me just as a lesson
to you know, do your preparation and then kind of
once it's time to execute, play fast, play free, try
not to be too uptight, you know, trying to do
(10:30):
too much or you know, being really on edge, because
you know, I've been victim of that in the past,
and that advice really just helped me to kind of
let loose during games and uh, just understand that I'm prepared,
I'm ready for the moment, and uh go out there
and next cue.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
That's a great bit of advice too, and your mom
would probably agree with that.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
Yeah, Ice, right, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (10:51):
One factor here in Green Bay that might be different
is the fans. You've definitely done a great job of
explaining your appreciation for fans and even go so far
to say that Packer fans want you to succeed. Can
you elaborate on that a little bit?
Speaker 3 (11:08):
Yeah, I feel like ever since I've you know, step
foot in Green Bay. Just the overall sense of community
and yeah, just sense it's togetherness. It just feels like
as a whole, this town is just really connected. I
remember it was the first time I got noticed. It
must have been that like hobby lobby or something. I'm
getting stuff from my apartment. It was somebody that noticed me.
I think it was just a middle aged guy and just.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Goes, are you having Williams?
Speaker 3 (11:30):
And I'm like, yeah, like and he's like, dude, great
job this past week. You know, like I've really like noticed,
just like you're going to have a really great year.
And then he just left and so that that interaction
kind of just left me like, hmm, this is like
this is the type of town that just like they
respect you, they encourage you, but you know, they're not
all up in your face, like they're not like doing
the most. They just really want to see you succeed.
(11:52):
And uh, I mean that's the truth to the fullest.
You know that That's all I've seen from this community
is just you know, nothing but love and support and
feel you know, pretty appreciative to be a part of
something like that.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
You mentioned community. You've been here about six months now.
How would you describe the relationship between the community here
in Green Bay and Evan Williams.
Speaker 2 (12:12):
I feel like the connection is still growing.
Speaker 3 (12:14):
I think one of my fondest memories, you know, was
my first training camp, just walking out to my first
training camp, just because they told me about, you know,
the whole bike's thing, and I'm like, okay, like I'll
ride somebody's bike, and you know, it'll be a fun thing.
But it's just the level of enthusiasm, the level of
you know, just how excited you know these kids are,
these parents are to see you, you know, go out
(12:35):
there and practice and just live out our dreams and
then you know, let alone to ride their bike.
Speaker 2 (12:39):
You know, it's a practice.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
Like the faces you should see on these kids, it's
something that you can't mimic. I feel like that connection
to the players is unique to Green Bay from what
I've seen compared to around the league. And definitely hope
that I get to interact more with this community and
just do as much as I can.
Speaker 1 (12:56):
I can see it on your face, man, you get
at that look. This is obviously impacting you a lot too.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
Oh yeah, for sure.
Speaker 3 (13:04):
I mean it's just taught me a lot about you know, gratitude,
just being you know, extremely thankful for wherever you are
in your life and just trying to be where your
feet are, you know, to try to enjoy those moments
and to just really be thankful, you know, for wherever
you are, whether that be you know, you're injured or
you're on top of the mountain, right, there's always something
(13:24):
to be thankful for. And uh, it's been pretty awesome
to have that perspective, you know, coming into here.
Speaker 1 (13:29):
That's a strong sentiment, it feels like from you because
I remember the first time you met with reporters here
at Lambeau, you said, whenever I'm in a high or
low feeling, I try to sit in that moment and
be grateful. Where does that approach that you were just
talking about stem from.
Speaker 3 (13:45):
Really, I feel like I'm just a result of all
my experiences.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
I have to give the greatest.
Speaker 3 (13:50):
You know, amount of thanks to my family, my parents
first and foremost, just because you know, my parents have
really just been my rocks from day one, have helped
build and you know, just mold me into who I
am today, taught me so many lessons that you know,
I still carry with myself just you know, respect everybody,
you know, be humble, be gracious, you know, through everything
you do. And yeah, i'd say, you know, my teammates second,
(14:12):
just all the people that I've encountered with. You know,
I have a list of special coaches that have you know,
been a great influence on me. And yeah, I've just
taught me the power of perspective, have taught me the
power of holding gratitude and everything you do. And you know,
I truly believe that, you know, you attack something with
just a different level of energy, a different level of
passion when you're grateful to be there in the first place.
(14:32):
So yeah, I just try to, you know, carry that
into every practice, every every rep. You know, just not
many people get to play football for a living, and
I try to never forget that and everything I do.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
Now to that point, what are your goals the rest
of this season with family and your teammates in mind.
Speaker 3 (14:49):
M M, I would probably say for the rest of
the season, I just want to put my best effort
on tape. I feel like my family is most proud
of me just when they see me loving to do
what I love to do, like when I'm out there
just having fun. My mom always will tell me or
my mom or dad, you know, will tell me you
look like you are having fun out there, And you know,
I find that that's the best compliment, just because.
Speaker 2 (15:11):
Like if you're able to love what you do, you
just have.
Speaker 3 (15:13):
A different level of energy, you know, when you're on
the field, you know, and I find that I often
play better, you know, when I'm just thankful for the moment,
you know, when I'm out there just loving what I do,
you know, connecting with my teammates and just playing free,
you know. And that goes for my teammates as well,
you know, just having their back throughout the whole season
and just yeah, playing as hard as I can, you know,
knowing that this is a team effort. You know, in everything,
(15:37):
doing your one eleventh is the most important thing, and
so yeah, just try to, you know, put my best
effort out there and put my best stuff on film.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
Hey man, your enthusiasm and your gratitude are both truly genuine,
and it was an honor sitting down with you. Thank
you so much, Evan.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
I appreciate you. Thank you very much, man, and.
Speaker 1 (15:54):
Thank you for listening to Packers POV to learn more
about what Evan is doing off the field. Visit his
instagram E Dub Underscore thirty two, Take care and see
you next time.
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