On most Sundays, you can find former Southern defensive back Aeneas Williams standing behind the podium of The Spirit Church in St. Louis, where he has been its pastor since its inception. If the votes go his way on Saturday, Williams will find himself standing behind another podium in August. In Canton, Ohio.
Williams is one of 12 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2012. It is significant on a couple of fronts. He is a testament to hard work and a rock-solid faith, both of which he credits for having a 14-year career with the Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams.
And if Williams makes the Hall he will represent an ever dwindling pool of players from the Southwestern Athletic Conference who have gone to the NFL and had standout careers. For the foreseeable future, it is Williams and former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan -- a Texas Southern alumnus -- who should be a first-ballot hall of famer.
“I’m not on pins and needles. ... It’s another step in life that is truly humbling.”
-- Aeneas Williams
Admittedly, when Williams was in Baton Rouge, times were different. Many of the players on SWAC rosters were second generation -- their parents went to the schools and they were extending legacies. Today, legacies aren't as much a consideration. Kids have more options, Williams said. Schools that were once considered second-tier, like a Boise State or a TCU, have been made attractive thanks to cable television deals.
Full story:
http://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/...
Posted By: How May I Help You NC
Sunday, February 5th 2012 at 2:36PM
You can also
click
here to view all posts by this author...
