{"id":182075,"date":"2023-01-10T00:21:04","date_gmt":"2023-01-10T00:21:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harchi90.com\/jamaal-williams-talks-family-team-image-after-lions-beat-packers\/"},"modified":"2023-01-10T00:21:04","modified_gmt":"2023-01-10T00:21:04","slug":"jamaal-williams-talks-family-team-image-after-lions-beat-packers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/harchi90.com\/jamaal-williams-talks-family-team-image-after-lions-beat-packers\/","title":{"rendered":"Jamaal Williams talks family, team image after Lions beat Packers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Jamaal Williams has never been one to shy away from being himself and showing emotion.<\/p>\n

That made what happened Sunday night after the Detroit Lions defeated the Green Bay Packers 20-16 a little less of a surprise, perhaps, than it would have been otherwise. But it was still memorable, nonetheless. <\/p>\n

Williams, BYU’s all-time leading rusher, broke the Lions’ franchise record for single-season rushing touchdowns when he scored twice against the Packers, his former team.<\/p>\n

That gave Williams an NFL-leading 17 rushing touchdowns this season, and broke Barry Sanders’ team-record 16 rushing touchdowns the Hall of Famer set in 1991.<\/p>\n

Detroit’s win also eliminated the Packers from postseason eligibility, after Green Bay entered the day just needing a win to make the playoffs.<\/p>\n

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No way we can let the moment slip without praising the Line and the Coaches – a run game like ours is truly a team effort… @jswaggdaddy<\/a> – just a beast of year for you and the guys. https:\/\/t.co\/W9ZBcjVhaf<\/p>\n

\u2014 Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) January 9, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

What did Jamaal Williams say in the postgame interview?<\/h3>\n

Williams, who clinched his first 1,000-yard rushing season as a pro in the win, joined teammate and Lions quarterback Jared Goff for a postgame interview on the NBC telecast, and his reaction to a record-setting night became a viral moment.<\/p>\n

In particular, it was Williams’ ability to tear up while dedicating the record night to his late great-grandfather one moment, then becoming fiery the next moment as he defended his team against doubters that truly stood out.<\/p>\n

It was an interview that captured plenty of attention, including from prominent sports celebrities like NBA superstar LeBron James and Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith.<\/p>\n

On playing for his great-grandfather:<\/h4>\n

\u201cI’m just grateful to do this for him. … I’m just grateful for him to be in my life and grateful to play football and do this for him,\u201d Williams said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere’s a lot of memories, a lot of emotions happening right now, but I’m grateful to be able to play this game for my great-grandfather. I know he’s looking down on me, I know I am making him proud.\u201d<\/p>\n

On silencing the doubters:<\/h4>\n

\u201cWe the Detroit Lions, we the Detroit Lions. Stop playing with us. I don’t watch TV, but I heard everybody already picked the Packers over us. Stop playing with us. That’s all I got to say, man. Don’t let these tears fool you, it’s all dawg around this mug.\u201d<\/p>\n

How did Twitter react?<\/h3>\n

The interview and Williams’ memorable night had social media buzzing about the sixth-year pro and the passion and enjoyment he brings on and off the field.<\/p>\n

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First of all, condolences to @jswaggdaddy<\/a> and his family… But man the way he switched up at the end got me in tears! \ud83e\udd23\ud83e\udd23\ud83e\udd23 “I don’t even watch TV but I heard everybody picked the Packers over us… Don’t let these tears fool you, it’s all DAWG around this mug.” LMAOOO pic.twitter.com\/cphVjM4PPk<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 \ud835\uddd9\ud835\udde2\ud835\udddf\ud835\udddf\ud835\udde2\ud835\uddea @\ud835\uddd9\ud835\udde7\ud835\uddd5\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddf1\ud835\udff3 (@FTBeard7) January 9, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Why did the record-setting night mean to Jamaal Williams?<\/h3>\n

In his postgame press conference interview, Williams again shared what the record-breaking night meant for him and his family, adding that the death of his father and great-grandfather (Williams told the team after the game his great-grandfather died last week) has been weighing on his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis was a great day for me. great night. Great game,\u201d Williams said, per the team’s website. \u201cThe only thing I can really think about is family members that have passed away. I really just dedicated this game for them. It’s been a lot and my heart has been heavy for a little bit.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n