William Witherspoon NFL: A Look Back At A Notable Career

For fans of professional football, particularly those who followed the game in the early 2000s, the name William Witherspoon might spark memories of a determined presence on the field. He was a player who gave his all, a linebacker who seemed to be everywhere, and in a way, his journey through the National Football League truly tells a story of dedication and grit. This piece, written on May 15, 2024, aims to shine a light on his time in the big leagues, reflecting on his contributions and what made his career stand out.

William Witherspoon, born on August 19, 1980, carved out a significant career as an American former professional football linebacker. He played a position known for its tough demands, requiring both strength and quick thinking, and he apparently excelled at it for quite a stretch of time. His path to the NFL began with a notable selection in the 2002 draft, setting him on a course that would see him compete at the highest levels of the sport for many years, which is quite a feat for any athlete.

His time in the NFL saw him wear the jerseys of several well-known teams, leaving a mark with each stop along the way. From his beginnings with the Carolina Panthers to later stints with other clubs, he consistently brought a certain level of play that earned him recognition as a former NFL star. This article will explore the different chapters of his playing days, giving you a pretty good idea of his impact and what his statistics reveal about his performance, which is what many people really want to know, isn't it?

Table of Contents

• Biography and Early Career
• Personal Details and Bio Data
• A Journey Through NFL Teams
• Impressive Career Statistics
• Life After the Gridiron
• Frequently Asked Questions

Biography and Early Career

William Cordell Witherspoon, whose birth date is August 19, 1980, started his professional football path as a linebacker. This role, in a way, is one of the most dynamic on a football field, requiring players to be involved in stopping runs, rushing the passer, and covering receivers. So, it's a position that asks for a wide range of skills, and he clearly possessed them to make it to the professional level.

His entry into the National Football League came through the 2002 NFL draft, where the Carolina Panthers picked him in the third round. Being chosen in the third round is, you know, a pretty good indicator of a player's potential and how highly teams think of their abilities. It means scouts and coaches saw something special in him, believing he could contribute significantly to a professional squad, which is a big deal for any young player.

The Panthers, in fact, became his first professional home, where he began to establish himself as a reliable presence. A rookie season in the NFL can be quite challenging, with players needing to adjust to a much faster pace and higher level of competition. Yet, it seems he handled that transition well, starting what would become a rather long and impactful career in the league, a journey that many aspiring players only dream about, honestly.

His initial years with the Panthers helped shape him into the player he would become, giving him the chance to learn the ropes and develop his professional game. Playing for an NFL team, especially as a young player, means being part of a very demanding environment, with constant pressure to perform. But he stuck with it, and that dedication, you know, really paid off as his career progressed, allowing him to grow into a seasoned veteran.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Here are some quick facts about William Witherspoon:

A Journey Through NFL Teams

William Witherspoon's professional football story isn't just about one team; it's about a career that saw him play for a few different franchises. After his start with the Carolina Panthers, he moved on to other clubs, each stop adding a new chapter to his playing history. This kind of movement is pretty common in the NFL, where players often switch teams for various reasons, whether it's through trades, free agency, or just looking for a new opportunity, you know.

Following his time with the Panthers, he went on to play for the St. Louis Rams. This was a significant period in his career, and in fact, some of his most complete career statistics are often highlighted in connection with his time as a Rams linebacker. Players often find a particular fit with certain teams or coaching schemes, and it seems he found a way to contribute meaningfully during his years in St. Louis, which is really what any team hopes for from its players.

His path also took him to the Philadelphia Eagles, another storied franchise in the league. Playing for different teams means adapting to new teammates, new playbooks, and new team cultures, which can be quite a challenge for any player. Yet, he apparently handled these transitions, continuing to perform at a professional level, showing a good deal of adaptability and persistence throughout his playing days, which is pretty impressive.

Finally, he also spent time with the Tennessee Titans. So, all in all, he played for four different teams over his 12-year professional career. This really speaks to his ability to stay in the league for an extended period, which is something only a select group of players manage to do. It suggests he consistently brought value to the teams he played for, otherwise, you know, they wouldn't keep him around for so long.

Each team provided a different setting and perhaps a different role for him, yet his presence as a solid linebacker remained constant. It’s interesting to think about how players contribute in varying ways across different team structures, and he, in some respects, demonstrated that versatility. His journey from one locker room to another is quite a common narrative for many players who have long and productive careers, showing how much the game changes over time, too it's almost.

His time with the St. Louis Rams, for example, included a specific contract detail: he signed a 1-year agreement worth $940,000, with that same amount as his average annual salary. These kinds of contracts are pretty standard in the league, showing the financial side of a player's career. It’s just a little glimpse into the business of professional football, where player value is constantly being assessed, you know, based on performance and experience.

Impressive Career Statistics

Looking at William Witherspoon's career statistics, it's clear he was a very active player on the field. Over his 12 seasons, playing for those four different teams, he put up some numbers that really highlight his contributions as a linebacker. These stats, honestly, paint a picture of a player who was consistently involved in the action, which is what you want from someone in his position.

He accumulated 755 solo tackles. That number, just a little, tells you how often he was the primary player bringing down an opponent. Solo tackles are a direct measure of a linebacker's ability to get to the ball carrier and make the stop, which is a pretty fundamental part of the game. It shows a knack for being in the right place at the right time and having the physical ability to finish the play, too it's almost.

Beyond solo efforts, he also recorded 195 assists. These are plays where he helped another teammate bring down an opponent, showing his collaborative side and how he worked within the team's defensive scheme. Football is, after all, a team sport, and assists highlight the importance of group effort on defense. So, combining his solo tackles with assists gives a more complete view of his total impact on stopping opposing offenses, you know.

Then there are his 26.0 sacks. Sacks are a big deal for a linebacker, meaning he got to the opposing quarterback behind the line of scrimmage. This disrupts offensive plays, forces turnovers, and can really change the momentum of a game. Getting a sack requires a mix of speed, strength, and strategic thinking, and 26 of them over a career is a pretty good number for a player in his role, honestly.

He also managed to recover 8 fumbles. Fumble recoveries are often about being opportunistic and alert, being able to scoop up a loose ball after an opponent drops it. These plays can lead to crucial changes in possession, giving your team a chance to score or stopping an opponent's drive. It shows a player who was always aware of the ball, which is a key trait for any defensive player, you know, always looking for that opportunity.

And, perhaps most impressively for a linebacker, he grabbed 14 interceptions. Interceptions are typically more common for defensive backs, so for a linebacker to have 14 of them really speaks to his coverage skills and his ability to read opposing quarterbacks. Picking off a pass can be a huge momentum swing, sometimes even leading to a defensive touchdown. It means he had good hands and a solid understanding of passing routes, which is pretty cool, if you ask me.

These stats combined paint a picture of a player who was, in a way, a true all-around defensive presence. He wasn't just good at one thing; he contributed in many different aspects of the game. For anyone looking at his history, these numbers tell a very clear story about his effectiveness and his value to the teams he played for. You can find his complete career NFL stats, for example, on ESPN, especially for his time with the St. Louis Rams, and the latest on him, including news and highlights, on NFL.com, which is pretty handy, too it's almost.

Reliable reference sources for his pro football statistics, along with transactions, awards, and biographical data, are generally available for those who want to dig deeper. This means his career is well-documented, allowing fans and analysts to truly appreciate the scope of his contributions to the sport. It's a testament to a career that was, you know, quite impactful for over a decade in a very demanding league.

Life After the Gridiron

After a long and active career, William Witherspoon retired from the NFL in 2014. Stepping away from professional football after 12 seasons is a big life change for any player. It means transitioning from a highly structured, intensely physical profession to whatever comes next. For many athletes, this period can be, you know, quite a shift, as they figure out their next steps in life after the cheering stops.

The text indicates that after his retirement, he became a... and then the information stops there. So, while we know he moved on from playing, the specific details of what he pursued immediately after his NFL career aren't fully available here. However, it's pretty common for former players to move into coaching, broadcasting, business, or community work. Whatever his path, it surely involved a different kind of dedication, you know, compared to what he gave on the field.

The experience of playing in the NFL for over a decade, with all its ups and downs, provides a unique set of skills and perspectives. Players like him often take the discipline, teamwork, and resilience they learned on the field and apply it to new ventures. It’s interesting to think about how those lessons translate into other parts of life, and in some respects, his career was a masterclass in perseverance, too it's almost.

His retirement in 2014 marked the end of an era for him as a player, but it also opened the door to new possibilities. For fans who followed his career, it's a chance to look back and appreciate the effort and skill he brought to every game. His story is, after all, a good example of what it takes to have a sustained presence in professional sports, which is something to think about, isn't it?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What teams did William Witherspoon play for in the NFL?

William Witherspoon played for four different teams during his NFL career. He started with the Carolina Panthers, who drafted him in 2002. After his time there, he went on to play for the St. Louis Rams, the Philadelphia Eagles, and finally, the Tennessee Titans. This journey across multiple franchises really shows his staying power in the league, you know, for over a decade.

Q2: When did William Witherspoon retire from the NFL?

William Witherspoon officially retired from the National Football League in 2014. This marked the end of his 12-season professional playing career, which began when he was drafted in 2002. His decision to step away came after a long and productive time on the field, where he contributed significantly to the teams he played for, which is pretty remarkable, honestly.

Q3: What were some of William Witherspoon's key career stats?

William Witherspoon put up some impressive numbers throughout his NFL career as a linebacker. He recorded 755 solo tackles and added 195 assists, showing his consistent involvement in defensive plays. Beyond tackles, he also had 26.0 sacks, which means he was effective at getting to the quarterback. Additionally, he recovered 8 fumbles and, quite notably for a linebacker, intercepted 14 passes, which just shows how well-rounded his game was, you know.

William Witherspoon's NFL career stands as a solid example of a dedicated professional linebacker. From his draft by the Carolina Panthers in 2002 to his retirement in 2014, he played 12 seasons for four different teams, accumulating impressive statistics that speak to his consistent performance on the field. His journey, filled with tackles, sacks, and interceptions, highlights the kind of effort and skill needed to thrive in professional football. To learn more about NFL history on our site, and to explore other player profiles, you can always link to this page for more details. His story is a good reminder of the many talents who have graced the gridiron.