James Williams (defensive back)
| Coalinga High School - Horned Toads | |
| Date of birth | March 30, 1967 |
|---|---|
| Place of birth | Osceola, AR |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Defensive back |
| College | Fresno State |
| NFL draft | 1990 / Round: 1 / Pick 16 |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1990–1993 | Buffalo Bills |
| 1994 | Arizona Cardinals |
| 1996 | San Francisco 49ers |
| Career stats | |
| |
James Earl "J.D." Williams (born March 30, 1967 in Osceola, Arkansas) is a former professional American football player who was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 1990 NFL Draft. Before College, Williams was a Running Back Defensive Back that played for the Horned Toads of Coalinga High School. At 5'10", 185-lb. defensive back from Fresno State University, Williams played in 6 NFL seasons from 1990 to 1994 and 1996 for the Bills, Arizona Cardinals, and San Francisco 49ers.
Williams was most notable for being the first player on the Buffalo Bills squad to don the number 31, which had been "retired" to represent the spirit of the franchise. Since Williams donned the number, the Bills have allowed anyone to wear the 31 jersey; it was later worn by Dwayne Wright, who coincidentally like Williams, went to Fresno State. Jairus Byrd wore the number before becoming a free agent; ironically, Byrd had to change to 31 because his college number, 32, was unofficially retired because of O. J. Simpson.