Falcons Star Returns a Year After Season-Ending Injury

In 2023, Avery Williams was always present, though not in the capacity he desired. He attended every trip, observed almost every practice, and didn’t miss a moment on the sidelines during games.

Unfortunately, the sidelines were his only domain.

Williams suffered a season-ending knee injury during the offseason training program of 2023, well before the season started. This was a devastating blow for Williams, who had led the league in average yards per punt return the previous season. He not only led but dominated, with an average of 16.2 yards per punt return, three yards more than the second-best returners, Tremon Smith and Kalif Raymond, who averaged 13.2 yards.

Without Williams, the Falcons dropped to the third-lowest in the league for average yards per punt return in 2023, falling from a league-leading 16.2 yards to just 7.2 yards per return. All Williams could do was watch from a distance.

Despite this, Williams was grateful to remain involved, even if it meant observing through a glass window in the team’s weight room while he rehabbed his knee.

“You’ve seen guys who suffer major injuries and they disappear until they’re healed, but I couldn’t imagine that,” Williams said. “It’s hard to picture how that would look or feel. I wouldn’t want it that way. I’m thankful I could stay around, mainly to be with my friends and teammates every day and still feel part of the team.”

Now, nearly a year after the injury that sidelined him, Williams is back on the field. He shared that running onto a football field now holds more significance than before his injury.

“After the injury, you appreciate the small things, like just being out here,” Williams said. “Even on tough days with many reps, I’m grateful to get tired out here. I could be stuck watching like last year. There’s a certain frustration and anxiety from not being able to help your teammates who are out there giving their all.”

Despite the hard work and grind, Williams feels a sense of ease now. Although he still wears a brace on his fully rehabbed knee, it will come off soon, he said. His strength, quickness, and comfort have all returned.

With his physical condition reestablished, Williams is now setting personal goals and expectations. While the team focus is always on winning championships, his personal goals are centered on returning to his peak performance.

“My goal is to lead the league again,” Williams said, “in both punt and kick returns with the new kick return rules. Special teams will have a different dynamic, but my expectations remain the same: to lead, to be first, to be No. 1.”