Avery Williamson, ex-linebacker of the Tennessee Titans, is returning to his roots in Tennessee, swapping his NFL jersey for a high school coach’s whistle.
Williamson’s journey started when the Tennessee Titans drafted him as a fifth-round pick after his stellar performances at the University of Kentucky in 2014. His hard-nosed style and gritty performances quickly made him a favorite among fans and teammates.
However, after spending four seasons with his hometown team, the Milan High School alum decided to trade the familiarity of Volunteer State for the glitz and green of New York. He inked a three-year, $22.50 million deal with the Jets, which included $16 million guaranteed money and a $6 million signing bonus.
After a two-year stint in the Big Apple, Williamson shifted gears to Denver in 2021. The same year saw him making a brief comeback to the Titans, only to return to the Broncos, after which he hung up his boots.
Post-retirement, he settled in Miami, but soon confessed in The Jackson (Tn.) Post that he found the leisurely life unexciting.
“Truth be told, it was good, yet it was also dull,” shared Williamson. “I spent that year mulling over my future, the first autumn I recall without playing football.
“I was completely detached from football and felt the need to determine my next step.”
His hiatus was brief. Williamson was soon roped in as an assistant coach at Jackson Christian School in Jackson, Tn., last month.
“A few months ago, I had no ties with Jackson Christian,” remarked Williamson. “Yet, things unfolded nicely over the past couple of months, leading me to land here. I’m quite excited about it.”
With this move, Williamson joins a line of former Titans who have transitioned to high school coaching in Tennessee, with Kevin Mawae, the recent Hall of Fame inductee, being the latest to accept the head coach position at Lipscomb Academy in Nashville.
Having retired from the NFL with an impressive tally of 607 tackles, 15.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and four interceptions, Avery Williamson now becomes a high school coach, eager to impart his rich experience to the next generation.
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