Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kyle Williams (defensive tackle)

How Kyle Williams (defensive tackle) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kyle Williams is a former professional American football player who played defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills for 13 seasons. He was drafted by the Bills in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL draft after playing college football at LSU. He retired after the 2018 season, having spent his entire NFL career with the Bills. After retirement, he transitioned to coaching at the college level.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

July 23, 2006: Signed with Buffalo Bills

On July 23, 2006, Kyle Williams signed a three-year contract with the Buffalo Bills for $1.80 million, including a signing bonus of $144,750.

October 16, 2006: First Career Start

On October 16, 2006, Kyle Williams earned his first career start for the Buffalo Bills, recording five combined tackles in a loss to the Detroit Lions.

2006: Drafted by the Buffalo Bills

In 2006, Kyle Williams was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round of the NFL draft.

October 28, 2007: First Career Sack

On October 28, 2007, Kyle Williams recorded his first career sack on Chad Pennington during the Bills' victory over the New York Jets.

July 3, 2008: Signed Contract Extension with Buffalo Bills

On July 3, 2008, Kyle Williams signed a three-year, $14.5 million contract extension with the Buffalo Bills.

December 28, 2008: Season-High Six Solo Tackles

On December 28, 2008, Kyle Williams recorded a season-high six solo tackles and sacked Matt Cassel in a loss to the New England Patriots.

October 11, 2009: Season-High Ten Combined Tackles

On October 11, 2009, Kyle Williams achieved a season-high ten combined tackles and sacked Derek Anderson in a loss to the Cleveland Browns.

October 31, 2010: Two Sacks Against Chiefs

On October 31, 2010, Kyle Williams recorded a season-high two sacks during a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

November 28, 2010: Season-High Ten Combined Tackles

On November 28, 2010, Kyle Williams collected a season-high ten combined tackles and sacked Ben Roethlisberger twice in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

August 26, 2011: Signed Contract Extension

On August 26, 2011, Kyle Williams signed a six-year, $39 million contract extension with the Buffalo Bills.

September 18, 2011: Season-High Five Combined Tackles

On September 18, 2011, Kyle Williams collected a season-high five combined tackles during a victory against the Oakland Raiders.

October 21, 2012: Tied Season-High of Five Combined Tackles and a Sack

On October 21, 2012, Kyle Williams tied his season-high of five combined tackles and recorded a sack in the Bills' loss to the Tennessee Titans.

October 27, 2013: Season-High Nine Combined Tackles

On October 27, 2013, Kyle Williams recorded a season-high nine combined tackles during a loss to the New Orleans Saints.

March 11, 2015: Signed One-Year Contract

On March 11, 2015, Kyle Williams signed a one-year, $10.50 million contract with the Buffalo Bills.

December 1, 2015: Placed on Injured Reserve

On December 1, 2015, Kyle Williams was placed on injured reserve, ending his season due to his knee injury.

December 4, 2016: Season-High Nine Combined Tackles

On December 4, 2016, Kyle Williams collected a season-high nine combined tackles in the Bills' loss to the Oakland Raiders.

January 20, 2017: Added to 2017 Pro Bowl

On January 20, 2017, Kyle Williams was added to the 2017 Pro Bowl as a late replacement for Ndamukong Suh. This became his fifth Pro Bowl selection.

September 17, 2017: Season-High Six Combined Tackles and a Pass Deflection

On September 17, 2017, Kyle Williams recorded a season-high six combined tackles and a pass deflection during a loss to the Carolina Panthers.

December 31, 2017: First Career Touchdown

On December 31, 2017, Kyle Williams recorded three tackles and scored his first career touchdown during a victory at the Miami Dolphins. He lined up as a fullback and ran for a one-yard touchdown.

January 7, 2018: First Career Playoff Game

On January 7, 2018, Kyle Williams started in his first career playoff game and made one solo tackle in the Bills' loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

March 13, 2018: Signed One-Year Contract

On March 13, 2018, the Buffalo Bills signed Kyle Williams to a one-year contract for $5.50 million.

December 28, 2018: Retirement Announcement

On December 28, 2018, it was announced that Kyle Williams would be retiring after 13 seasons, with his last NFL game to be on December 30, 2018.

December 30, 2018: Final NFL Game

On December 30, 2018, in his final NFL game, Kyle Williams made three tackles and caught a pass for nine yards. He also served as a lead blocker on a touchdown run.

2018: Retirement from the NFL

Following the 2018 season, Kyle Williams retired from the NFL after playing his entire 13-year career with the Buffalo Bills.

March 11, 2020: Accepted Defensive Coordinator Position

On March 11, 2020, it was announced that Kyle Williams accepted the Defensive Coordinator coaching position at Ruston High School, his alma mater.

March 6, 2025: Hired as Defensive Line Coach at LSU

On March 6, 2025, Kyle Williams was hired as the defensive line coach at Louisiana State University after serving as the defensive coordinator for Ruston High School from 2020 to 2024.