Leonard Williams excited for leadership role

As defensive end Leonard Williams prepares for his third season with the New York Jets, he’s excited to embrace a leadership role on a team that desperately needs more of it.

When it comes to leadership, it’s one of those traits that you’re born with. To be a leader among men is no easy task but on a football team filled with various personalities, if you’re able to step up and be a leader, it’s a big step forward in your career. Such is the case with defensive end Leonard Williams as he is about to begin his third season with the New York Jets.

So far in his tenure, Williams has totaled 65 tackles and 10.0 sacks which so far, are impressive. He gives 110 percent on every defensive play he’s a part of and has the stats to prove he’s a player on the rise. He’s yet to have a breakout season in the NFL but by the looks of it, is well on his way to having a huge season which will bode well for the Jets.

Due to the disaster that was last year, the locker room has dramatically changed. A plethora of veterans have been released and lots of new faces will begin their journey to do their part in rebuilding the Jets towards a brighter future. Of course, it all comes down to how the team deals with obstacles as they face a tough season ahead. Williams knows what is coming up and is excited to do his part in becoming the next leader not just on defense but for the team.

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In an article written by Ethan Greenberg of NewYorkJets.com, here is what Williams had to say about earning such a role:

“You have to lead by example because if you’re telling people what to do and you’re not, you’re just a hypocrite,” Williams said. “We learned something this offseason that leading by example is just doing your job. We have to take it past that where we’re taking guys and leading them with us. If we see somebody struggling or not stepping to the line, we get on that guy. Not to call him out, but because it’s in his and the team’s best interest. We’re finishing now. It’s just the little things like staying on top of guys.”

So far, Williams is on his way towards doing the little things like helping struggling teammates out which leads to bigger things. It’s important that the Jets see his potential to be a voice both on the field and in the locker room that is capable of rallying the troops to do what is right in every aspect. He’s no longer that rookie phenom out of USC but now, getting ready to lead teammates in the pro scene.

Overall, expect huge things out of Williams in 2017 that might not be on his final stat sheet. Leadership is an attribute that can sometimes go unnoticed to the masses but at the end of the day, is crucial for long-term success.