Return specialist Avery Williams officially signed his one-year contract at the NovaCare Complex on Thursday.
The 26-year-old led the NFL in punt returns in 2022, averaging 16.2 yards per return. He's averaged 22.4 yards per kickoff return and 10.9 yards per punt return.
The former fifth-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2021 was drafted as a cornerback but was moved to running back in his second season.
Williams sat down with PhiladelphiaEagles.com for a quick Q&A after putting pen to paper:
Liam Wichser: What are you looking forward to most about playing for the Eagles?
Avery Williams: "I'm excited. Obviously, the fact that the Eagles just went to the Super Bowl is impressive. But I still have that hunger to add to that. I wasn't a part of this team last year, so my goal is still to win a Super Bowl. And the guys that are already here, they won a Super Bowl, and their goal is to win a Super Bowl as well. So, I'm extremely motivated and extremely excited and grateful to be here and call myself Eagle now."
LW: What has your journey been like to get to this point in the NFL?
AW: "Out of high school, I only had two opportunities for college. I ended up walking on at Boise State, and had an amazing time there, and had a great career. And one thing led to the next into getting drafted by the Falcons. Played my whole rookie contract, and it was time to move on. All love to those guys, but I'm excited. I'm excited to be here and with the Eagles. And the thing I'm most excited about is just the high character of people that I've met in this building already. I love being surrounded by great culture and great people."
What do you love most about football – what motivates you to keep playing?
AW: "Literally just the game. When you get out there on the field, probably the most special thing about this sport is making your teammates and your coaches happy. The most rewarding thing is, is having a teammate, you know, slap you on the helmet, or a coach slap you on the helmet and say, 'good job'. That's the best compliment you can get in this game. So that's definitely what motivates me.
LW: What do you like to do off the field outside of football?
AW: "I'm pretty boring man. I stick to movies and chilling at the house and watching sports. That's really about it."
LW: Do you have a favorite movie?
AW: "One I've always said is Ratatouille. It's always a banger for me. Other than that, probably Avengers: Infinity War. Definitely into all the Marvel stuff. Infinity War was just unreal."
LW: Do you like kick returning or punt returning better?
AW: I mean, I love them both. You know, special teams and returning especially, has always been my true passion of the game. But you can get someone that just is really detailed, consistent, and always works hard. I'm putting my heart on the table."
