Rawleigh Williams III played just 20 games as an Arkansas running back, but his impact throughout the Southeastern Conference was undeniably profound.
The 5-foot-10, 226-pounder from Dallas announced early last week that he was walking away from football after suffering a second neck injury since signing with Bret Bielema’s Razorbacks in 2015. Williams rushed for 1,326 yards last year during the 12-game regular season, a total that led the league.
“Rawleigh was a tremendous player who was fun to watch until it was your turn to play him,” Missouri coach Barry Odom said this week. “I wish him the best, and it sounds like he’s going to be very, very successful in whatever he decides to do.”
On April 29, after Arkansas shifted its spring game to an indoor scrimmage due to inclement weather, Williams suffered what initially was called a “stinger.” It quickly was changed to a far more ominous diagnosis: a “neurological injury.”
Williams announced his retirement through an emotional letter that was posted on the Arkansas athletics website. He explained that his decision came after conversations with doctors and family members and after much prayer.