Boo Williams

Eddie Lee "Boo" Williams (born June 22, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL) from 2001 to 2004. He played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks as a wide receiver.

College career Williams played two seasons at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, where he was a two-time All-American catching 83 passes for 1,687 yards and 21 touchdowns as a split end wide receiver. He then transferred to the University of Arkansas for the 1999 and 2000 seasons where he caught 80 receptions for 1,123 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Professional career

New Orleans Saints Williams was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New Orleans Saints on April 26, 2001 and soon began a conversion to the tight end position. Waived in September, then signed off the practice squad on October 27, he played in his first NFL game October 28 and made his first start the following week. He finished his first NFL season with 20 receptions for 202 yards and 3 touchdowns.

New York Giants Williams was signed by the New York Giants in June 2006 but waived before the regular season began.

Kansas City Brigade On January 19, 2007, Williams signed with the Kansas City Brigade of the Arena Football League. On March 3, 2008, he was placed on recallable waivers by the Brigade.

NFL career statistics Legend Bold Career high

Year Team Games Receiving GP GS Tgt Rec Yds Avg Lng TD 2001 NOR 11 4 42 20 202 10.1 26 3 2002 NOR 16 3 31 13 143 11.0 32 2 2003 NOR 16 6 62 41 436 10.6 31 5 2004 NOR 16 7 75 33 362 11.0 22 2 59 20 210 107 1,143 10.7 32 12

Life after football Williams struggled with a multitude of depression, anger, and anxiety issues after retiring from football, the cause of which he attributes to head trauma sustained during his NFL career. After nearly taking his own life in 2011, Williams spent four months at the Crosby Center in San Diego for diagnosis and treatment of the problems he was suffering from. Williams later worked with the Crosby Center to help other NFL players dealing with similar issues post-retirement.

Williams uses cannabis to treat the chronic pain and neurological problems that have resulted from his football career. As a member of the Gridiron Cannabis Coalition he has been active in speaking about his experience using cannabis as medicine and advocating for the NFL to change its policy.

Williams founded the Boo Williams Athletic Academy, an after-school program providing academic and athletic activities for children to engage in.