Marcus Williams is an American football safety who plays in the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens. He was drafted in the 2017 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints in the second round, as the 42nd overall pick. 

Also read: Deshaun Watson’s monster contract explained: How suspension won’t affect the player

Williams was born in Eastvale, California on 8th September 1996, and did his high schooling at Eleanor Roosevelt High School. He committed to the University of Utah to play his college football for the Utes between 2014-2017. He was named to the first-team All-Pac-12 in the 2015 season- his sophomore year, and a second-team All-Pac-12 the following year. He declared for the 2017 NFL Draft soon after. 

Williams was picked up by the New Orleans Saints in the 2nd round of the draft on a four-year rookie contract worth $6.24 million, including $3.24 guaranteed and a signing bonus of $2.67 million. 

Also read: EXPLAINER: Was Devon Allen too fast for his own good?

Williams made his NFL debut against the Minnesota Vikings in the 2017 season opener recording 5 tackles in a 29-19 loss. He finished his rookie regular campaign with 73 tackles (59 solo), seven pass deflections, and four interceptions in 15 games, all of them starts. The Saints made it to the playoffs that season and Williams recorded 8 tackles in his playoff debut against the Carolina Panthers in a 31-26 win, although an unfortunate blind tackle toward the end of the NFC Divisional Round that ended up flooring his own teammate and leaving the opponent free to score a 61-yard touchdown resigned the Saints to a narrow 29-24 loss. This became known as the ‘Minneapolis Miracle’, and proved to be a tragic end to an otherwise stellar rookie season for Williams. 

Also read: Body found at Los Angeles-area lake near SoFi Stadium which hosted Super Bowl LVI

In March 2022, Williams signed with the Baltimore Ravens on a 5-year contract worth $70 million.