Video and story: Razorback star D.J. Williams beats the odds, lives by faith

Church member D.J. Williams will leave the University of Arkansas “as the best tight end in school history,” wrote sports columnist Wally Hall. (Photo provided by Arkansas Razorbacks)

New on The Christian Chronicle’s website, a profile by Hamil Harris of Arkansas Razorbacks star tight end D.J. Williams:

As a child, David “D.J.” Williams tried to sleep while his mother endured repeated beatings by his alcoholic father.
As a teenager, he lived in a shelter and was jeered by his classmates when the bus dropped him off at an abandoned gas station.
In high school, his world changed. On the football field, he pulled down passes and ran over linebackers like few others could. Jeers became cheers, and accolades poured in. Williams’ gridiron prowess led him to the University of Arkansas.
The 22-year-old tight end helped his Razorbacks finish a 10-2 regular season and land a spot in the prestigious Sugar Bowl against Ohio State on Jan. 4.
He won the Mackey Award, given to the nation’s top tight end, and earned third-team Associated Press All-America honors. He entered the Sugar Bowl with 49 catches for 589 yards and four touchdowns in the 2010 season.
As the awards pile on, Williams continues to live by the words typed under his picture in his high school yearbook, “Baptized into Christ.”
“I want people to know that when it’s all said and done, I’m a son of Christ and I’m baptized,” said Williams, a member of the Pleasant Valley Church of Christ in Little Rock, Ark.

Read the full story.

• Feedback
  God continue to bless your life as you bless others.
  Sharon and Grady Troute
  Centerville, Ohio

  Sharon Troute

  January, 5 2011

  A great story, Hamil. DJ has overcome so much and yet he realizes that only Jesus can overcome his sin to enter eternity.
  Perhaps his story will inspire other young men and women who are having to bear up under untold difficulties.

  TipTop

  January, 7 2011

  Thank you for this story about DJ. My daughter was born in AR, my son-in-law is from AR. We lived in TX for many years. We love our roots and our church and most of all our God. What a wonderful story to share with my grandchildren. God bless DJ and his family as he meets the challenges that lie ahead. May God hold him close. I trust in God that DJ will always know to whom to give the glory.

  Carolyn Johnson

  January, 7 2011

  Thats’ a fine high school that allows the words baptized and Christ in it’s year book. How shall a young man cleanse his way? (Ps. 119:9). say amen somebody.
  rb

  robert brooks

  January, 10 2011