New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams appeared on a video conference with reporters on Thursday, two days after he and the team agreed on a three-year, $63 million contract ($45 million guaranteed).
During the course of his Zoom call, Williams mentioned several times that the Giants aren’t just bringing back the player, but a locker room influence and team leader.
Leonard Williams: "They paid me for the guy that I am. They brought me back for the guy that I am."
Says he is comfortable being a leader with #NYGiants and ready for whatever comes next. https://t.co/jtQ73Nfcvt
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) March 18, 2021
Williams thanked the Giants’ organization and the coaching staff for believing in him and allowing him to stay in New York, where he began his career with the Jets in 2015.
Leonard Williams said "it's a big deal" to stay in this market his whole career. He said he never would have thought about New York being home before. "It's a part of me for sure."
— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) March 18, 2021
Leonard Williams talking about his new monster deal with Giants says he “loves this organization.” Believes he thrives under a coaching staff like this that pushes you. Also get the vibe that he feels the responsibility to be a leader as the highest-paid player on the team.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) March 18, 2021
Still just 26, Williams has a ton of football left in him and vows to be the same player he’s been as ‘there’s more than money’ to begin a football player.
LW says the contract won't change him. "They paid me for the guy that I am." Wants to be a leader and "example of what a Giants player is here."
— Tom Rock (@TomRock_Newsday) March 18, 2021
Williams was especially grateful to general manager Dave Gettleman, who stuck his neck out back in 2019 when he traded for Williams at the trade deadline.
Leonard Williams was reminded of the leap he made from 2019 when he was traded to the #Giants and had 0.5 sacks, to 2020 when he led NYG with 11.5 sacks: "it was just a testament to Dave Gettleman for trusting me, to the staff for trusting me, and overall me trusting in myself"
— Madelyn Burke (@MadelynBurke) March 18, 2021
Williams also congratulated former linemate Dalvin Tomlinson, who signed with the Minnesota Vikings this week.
Leonard Williams says he loved playing with Dalvin Tomlinson and says they will stay in touch. Called him a good leader and hard working player.
— TheGiantsWire (@TheGiantsWire) March 18, 2021
