Darrent Williams

Darrent Williams, a right cornerback for the Denver Broncos, was killed in a drive-by shooting on Jan. 1. He was 24.
Williams was raised in a tough Fort Worth, Texas, neighborhood by his mother, Rosiland. He played three sports in high school and credited two of his coaches and a local minister for guiding him away from trouble. Although three colleges recruited him, Williams opted to study education at Oklahoma State University because it was close to his family. He started 32 games over four seasons, scored nine times and set a Big 12 Conference career record with five interceptions returned for a touchdown. A Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist, he was a second round draft pick (56 overall) in 2005.
The 5-foot-8, 188-pound cornerback played two seasons in the National Football League, both with Denver. He used part of his $1.3 million signing bonus to buy his mother a house and a car. No. 27 started nine games in his first season, the most by a Denver rookie in that position since 1975. He led the Broncos in punt and kick returns, and racked up 108 return yards on two interceptions, including an 80-yard touchdown return against the Oakland Raiders that was the longest interception return by a rookie in franchise history.
This past season, Williams started in 14 games. He made 85 tackles, 4 interceptions, 15 passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery on defense. Williams was also fined $15,000 for arguing with an official during a November match-up against the San Diego Chargers. The NFL rescinded the fine earlier this week and plans to give the money to his family.
Hours after the Broncos were eliminated from playoff contention on Dec. 31, Williams attended a New Year’s Eve party and birthday party for Denver Nuggets player Kenyon Martin at the Denver nightclub, Shelter. A verbal argument broke out between Williams’ friends and another group, but no physical altercation took place. Shortly after 2 a.m., someone inside a 1998 Chevy Tahoe with dark-tinted windows pulled up beside Williams’ 23-passenger Hummer H2 limousine and opened fire. Williams was fatally wounded with a gunshot wound to the neck. Passengers Brandon Flowers and Nicole Reindl were shot, but survived their injuries. Broncos teammate Javon Walker, who was also inside Williams’ vehicle, was not hurt in the shooting. Police are investigating three gang members in connection with the Williams’ slaying.
“Losing a fine young man such as Darrent Williams leaves me speechless with sadness. We all know that Darrent was an excellent player, but as a person, he was a first-class young man who brightened every room with his smile, attitude and personality. I cannot express how heartsick I feel at this loss,” Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan stated.
Outside of his football career, Williams launched the independent record label RYNO Entertainment and made numerous charitable contributions to little league football teams in Fort Worth and Houston. He encouraged kids to stay out of gangs and planned to establish a free football camp for youth players. In his spare time, the father of two liked to bowl, watch movies and shoot hoops.
• Watch a Tribute to Williams
• Williams’ My Space Page