Giving back to the community is a meaningful experience, especially for athletes who rise to national prominence and use their platform to uplift the places that shaped them. That’s precisely what Fayetteville, North Carolina, native Joshua Williams has done.
As a standout athlete at Fayetteville State University, Williams made his mark as a dominant defensive presence. During his time with the Broncos, he led the CIAA with 15 passes defended, including two interceptions in 2019, according to HBCU Sports. After the cancellation of the 2020 season due to COVID-19, he made a strong comeback in 2021, recording nine pass breakups and three interceptions. His performance earned him First Team All-CIAA honors, solidifying his status as one of the conference’s top players.
Williams’ success at the collegiate level translated to the professional stage when he was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round with the 135th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. He went on to earn two Super Bowl rings with the Chiefs. In the 2025 season, Williams recorded 97 tackles, one interception, one sack, and 18 pass deflections, according to Pro Football Reference.
On March 12, 2026, during the NFL free agency period, the 26-year-old signed a two-year deal with the Tennessee Titans, continuing his professional journey.
Jaleel McLaughlin (left) of the Denver Broncos and Kion Smith (second picture from the left) of the Miami Dolphins, will be joining newly signed Titans cornerback, Josh Williams (right), on Saturday’s Game Plan to Greatness 2 event on June 13, 2026 at Festival Park in Fayetteville, NC; Courtesy of shifty.leel/Instagram, k.boogie77/Instagram, and jwilliofficial/Instagram
Despite his growing success, Williams has remained deeply connected to his roots. In 2025, he partnered with Two Sisters, Two Suitcase, LLC, owned by Karen Clare and Tonia Williams, close friends of his, to host the inaugural “Game Plan to Greatness” event at the Friendship Resource Community Center in Fayetteville. The event was a major success, drawing a large crowd and offering free swag bags for the first 100 children, signed autographs on memorabilia from Williams, photo opportunities with the NFL star, free food, haircuts, and much more.
This year he’s doing it again, Game Plan to Greatness 2, with the event hosted by Two Sisters, Two Suitcase, LLC. This time he’s bringing his friends along, fellow Fayetteville State University graduate and Lumberton, NC, native Kion Smith, of the Miami Dolphins, and fellow North Carolina native Jaleel McLaughlin, of the Denver Broncos. The event is slated for Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 2pm to 6pm at Fayetteville’s Festival Park, located at 335 Ray Ave, with the event starting off as it was last year, but this time much bigger, coming off to a much greater start from last year’s success.
The event will once again provide free food, haircuts, swag bags for the first 100 kids, and opportunities for autographs and photos with the guest NFL players. It remains free and open to the community, with online registration available at https://GP2G2.eventbrite.com, which also includes additional details about the event.
Williams’ continued efforts serve as a powerful reminder: no matter how far talent may take you, there’s truly no place like home. Through initiatives like “Game Plan to Greatness,” it’s inspiring the next generation to dream bigger while staying grounded in where they come from.
