Before the 2025 season began, Dallas Cowboys fans wondered how the team would replace Rico Dowdle’s production at running back. It appears Brian Schottenheimer and Co. have provided an answer.
It hasn’t taken long for Javonte Williams to impress as Dallas’ starting RB. In his first few games as a Cowboy, Williams has earned praise from Jerry Jones, Dak Prescott and others in the organization.
Here are 10 things to know about Williams:
1. The basics
Cowboys
Name: Javonte Williams
Position: RB
Ht.: 5-10 Wt.: 220 pounds
Birthday: April 25, 2000 (25 years old)
College: North Carolina
Hometown: Wallace, North Carolina
2. He was no stranger to AT&T Stadium before joining the Cowboys
If Williams’ name rings a bell for some Cowboys fans, that’s because he had a pretty dominant game when he played against Dallas in 2021.
That year, Williams was looking like one of the NFL’s top rookie rushers. Although the Broncos struggled through much of the campaign, Williams was key in helping the team pull off a 30-16 upset over the Cowboys in Week 9.
Williams and the Broncos picked up on Dallas’ run-stuffing issues early in the matchup, leading the rookie to 111 yards on 17 carries. That game marked the first 100-yard performance of Williams’ professional career.
Click here for a look at Williams’ highlights from that matchup.
3. An injury slowed his progress
The 2021 season is still Williams’ best from a statistical standpoint. He finished his rookie campaign with 903 yards and four touchdowns on 203 carries, looking to build momentum the following year.
Williams’ progress was slowed in Week 4 of the 2022 season when he suffered a knee injury against the Las Vegas Raiders. The running back’s season ended early as he sustained a torn ACL. According to NFL.com, an MRI also revealed tears in Williams’ LCL and posterolateral corner (PLC).
4. Was part of a record-setting tandem at UNC
Williams had a productive collegiate career at North Carolina, rushing for 2,297 yards and 29 touchdowns in three seasons with the Tar Heels. He posted those numbers while sharing backfield duties with Michael Carter from 2018-20.
Williams and Carter broke an NCAA record in a 62-26 win over Miami (FL) in 2020, combining for 544 yards on the ground. Carter ran for 308 yards and two scores, while Williams followed closely with 236 yards and three touchdowns.
Both Williams and Carter were drafted in 2021. Williams was taken by Denver in the second round, while Carter went to the New York Jets in the fourth round.
5. Williams was one of the youngest RBs on the market
Williams still has a lot left in the tank. He was one of the youngest players at his position available on the 2025 free agent market.
The running back turned 25 in April and already has four years of NFL experience under his belt.
6. He once stood out on the defensive side of the ball
Williams has clearly hit his stride as an NFL running back. Did you know he once starred on the defensive side of the ball?
Back in his high school days at Wallace-Rose Hill in Teachey, North Carolina, Williams split his time between offense and defense. According to a 2022 article from denverbroncos.com’s Ben Swanson, Williams lined up at linebacker before completely focusing on the running back position his senior year.
He posted a combined 377 tackles in his sophomore and junior seasons. Williams also helped his team win three NHSCAA Class 1AA state championships from 2014-16. He earned defensive MVP honors in 2015 and was named state title game MVP in 2016.
7. He was valedictorian of his high school graduating class
Williams graduated early from Wallace-Rose Hill High School. He was named valedictorian there after finishing with a 4.6 GPA. His lowest grade ever, reportedly, was a 97.
“I call him Valedictorian-Tae,” Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott said. “That’s what he is … the guy plays smart at running back, and he can make plays, and I’m super excited for him to play.”
8. He was a three-star recruit as a high schooler
While Williams impressed throughout his time at Wallace-Rose Hill High School, he didn’t receive a lot of recruiting buzz. Schools like Harvard, Yale, Furman and Coastal Carolina reportedly expressed interest in him. He was set on playing at North Carolina.
He ultimately signed his letter of intent with the Tar Heels in Dec. 2017.
9. He scored the Cowboys’ first touchdown of the 2025 season
After a wild sequence and disqualification to open the game, the Cowboys wasted no time landing a blow against the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense. It took just six plays for Dallas to gain 53 yards after Eagles DT Jalen Carter was ejected.
CeeDee Lamb came down with some pivotal catches on the opening drive to set Dallas up in the red zone. Facing a short-and-goal situation, Williamspunched it in from a yard out for the first touchdown of the 2025 campaign.
10. What does his contract in Dallas look like?
Back in March, Williams and the Cowboys agreed to a one-year deal. The contract is worth $3 million with an incentive package that can push that total $3.5 million.
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