Who Is Doug Williams (quarterback)? Age, Biography and Wiki
Doug Williams was born on August 9, 1955, making him 69 years old as of 2025. He is not only recognized as a former professional American football quarterback but also as a coach and executive. Williams made history as the first African-American quarterback to win a Super Bowl when he led the Washington Redskins to victory in Super Bowl XXII. With an incredible career spanning decades, he has played a vital role in promoting diversity and excellence within the sport.
| Occupation | Football Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 9, 1955 |
| Age | 69 Years |
| Birth Place | Zachary, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Doug Williams (quarterback)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Doug Williams stands tall at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) and weighs approximately 225 lbs (102 kg). His imposing physical stature contributed to his effectiveness on the field, allowing him to execute plays with strength and precision. His measurements reflect the classic build of a quarterback, combining agility with power.
Despite the success that he enjoyed on the field, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Joe Gibbs was the only NFL coach who visited Williams to work him out and scout him. Gibbs spent two days with the 6 ft, 220 lb quarterback, reviewing play books, film, and going through passing drills.
Impressed by his poise, work ethic, and studious nature, Gibbs rated Williams as the best quarterback in the draft, writing in his scouting report that Williams had "a big-time arm with perfect passing mechanics" and was "a natural leader...very academic and extremely prepared...football smart," and recommended that the Buccaneers select Williams w
ith their first-round draft choice.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Regarding his personal life, Doug Williams is happily married to his wife, Pedro (Diane) Williams. The couple has shared a long and loving relationship, and they have three children together. While there are no public records suggesting relationships outside of his marriage, Williams has always prioritized his family amidst his busy career in football.
During his tenure with the Buccaneers, Williams was paid $120,000 a year, the lowest salary for a starting quarterback in the league and less than the salary of 12 backups. After the 1982 season, Williams asked for a $600,000 contract.
Bucs owner Hugh Culverhouse refused to budge from his initial offer of $400,000 despite protests from coach John McKay. Feeling that Culverhouse was not paying him what an NFL starter should earn, Williams sat out the 1983 season. That year, the Bucs went 2–14, and did not make the playoffs again until the 1997 season 14 years later.
Tampa Bay lost ten games in every season but one in that stretch, including 12 in a row from 1983 to 1994. Culverhouse's willingness to let Williams walk away over such a relatively small amount of money was seen as insensitive, especially as it came only months after Williams' wife Janice died of an aneurysm.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Doug Williams has an estimated net worth of around $10 million. His wealth primarily stems from his long-standing career as a quarterback, coaching positions, and involvement in various sports-related executive roles. His salary varied extensively throughout his playing and coaching career but includes lucrative endorsements and business ventures.
After a year away from football, Williams signed with the Oklahoma Outlaws of the upstart United States Football League. The Outlaws briefly called Hall of Fame coach and quarterback guru Sid Gillman out of retirement as director of football operations, and Williams was Gillman's highest-profile signing.
Williams signed a $3 million contract with a $1 million signing bonus, making him easily one of the highest-paid players in all of football. Years later, he recalled that he was won over when Outlaws owners William Tatham Sr. and Bill Tatham Jr. "treated me as a human," rather than "a piece of cattle in a stockyard."
Career, Business and Investments
Doug Williams' professional career began in the NFL when he was drafted in the first round of the 1978 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He later played for the Washington Redskins, where he achieved Super Bowl glory. Post-retirement, Williams transitioned to coaching and executive roles, including positions with the Grambling State University football team and the Washington Football Team.
Apart from his football career, Williams is also involved in various business ventures and investments, emphasizing initiatives that focus on youth development in sports. His contributions to mentoring and coaching young athletes reflect his commitment to the sport beyond his playing days.
Following his playing career, Williams began coaching, most notably serving as the head coach of the Grambling State Tigers. Following that, Williams has been a team executive for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Virginia Destroyers, and Commanders.
Social Network
Doug Williams maintains a presence on social media, where he engages with fans and shares insights into his life and career. You can find him on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where he provides updates on his engagements and experiences, as well as motivational posts aimed at inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Williams was the only starting African-American quarterback in the NFL at that time, and dealt with racism from the fans, and even his own coaching staff.
In his book Rise of the Black QB, author Jason Reid cited an incident in the 1978 Tampa Bay training camp, in which quarterbacks coach Bill Nelsen began berating Williams in what was described as going beyond coaching and becoming a personal attack. "I think Coach Gibbs knew that it wasn't a matter of being coached hard," recalled Williams.
"I mean, I played for Eddie Robinson at Grambling, so he knew I could handle that. But he (Gibbs) immediately sensed that something else was going on." Gibbs, who was at the opposite end of the field, sprinted over to Nelsen and confronted him.
Gibbs threw his clipboard down, pointed his finger in Nelsen's face and said, "Don't you ever talk to him like that again! Is that clear?" According to Williams, Nelsen never confronted Williams in that manner again.
Education
Williams received his college education at Grambling State University, where he played for the Grambling Tigers football team under the legendary Coach Eddie Robinson. His experience at Grambling not only shaped his playing career but also instilled values of hard work and dedication that he carries even today.
In conclusion, Doug Williams remains a celebrated figure in American football, with a legacy that transcends the field. His wealth of experience and commitment to fostering talent make him a role model in sports and beyond.
Williams played quarterback for the Grambling State Tigers from 1974 to 1977. In his first two seasons, he played on the same team as future NFL receiver Sammy White. Williams guided the Tigers to a 36–7 (.837 winning percentage) record as a four-year starter, and led the Tigers to three Southwestern Athletic Conference Championships. Williams was named Black College Player of the Year twice.
