A defensive lineman, fondly called the ‘Monstar’ by the Alabama fans, Jesse Williams had a strong career with Alabama under Nick Saban. He joined Saban’s team in 2011 and was reliable, recording 24 tackles, following it up with 37 tackles in the 2012 season. Those performances and a gigantic 6’3″ and 340-pound frame finally landed him in the Seattle Seahawks. However, his NFL career was short-lived due to severe health complications. The same complications have now forced Jesse to bid adieu to Alabama Football, as he has an emotional appeal for the Bama fans.

“With my Current Heart Health situation, it may be my last Bama Game in Tuscaloosa for a while. I’m pumped to be here! Alabama feels more like Home to me than anywhere else on Earth. Grateful every time I get to be back here! If you’re in town for the Game, come find me!” wrote Jesse Williams on X, posting a photo of himself in Tuscaloosa. While the Vanderbilt vs Alabama game in Tuscaloosa might be his last attendance at the stadium, his incredible journey to finally play for Alabama will be a cherished memory for the fans.

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Born in Brisbane, Australia, Jesse wasn’t your average high schooler aspiring to play football. His initial love was rugby and basketball, and he stumbled onto the football scene purely by chance. Jesse was attending a Bayside Ravens’ practice to watch his friend, and he, already 300+ pounds, quickly shone on the gridiron. So, after being named Rookie of the Year and helping Queensland’s under-19 team to the Australian National Championships, scouts advised Jesse to move to America. Jesse, without a second thought, packed his bag and traveled 8,000 odd miles to a place where he was a complete stranger.

“I was 17 years old, working three jobs, trying to save money, and I made the choice. I moved to the United States carrying one bag and $200,” said Jesse. The DL then enrolled at a JUCO college (Arizona Western College) and quickly started climbing the national JUCO rankings. Still, living so far away from home, without anyone to support, was tough. “I didn’t have a cell phone for the first six months I arrived in Arizona. I didn’t have the money to buy one, and my parents didn’t have the money to buy one and send it to me,” said Jesse to Rich Karle of Al.com. Despite the struggle, Jesse’s performances quickly started getting traction with the D1 coaches.

“I became the top junior college player in America,” said Jesse as he got 25 FBS Division offers. But the most important of them was from Alabama, and Coach Saban showed loyalty to the defensive lineman. “Alabama had put me on the radar early because I had ridiculous stats. I’m big on loyalty, and so, too, was Coach Saban,” said Jesse. Alabama by then, in 2011, was already a national powerhouse under Saban, and Jesse took no time to settle into the team. In his two seasons, the player established a rich legacy at Tuscaloosa and was selected in the fifth round by the Seahawks. However, his health began to deteriorate after joining the NFL.

Jesse Williams vows to rise through his health battle

Expectations were high for Jesse, but in his rookie season, the DL had a knee complication, which didn’t allow him to make the team. But hopes then were still around for Jesse to make a comeback in the next season. However, at just 24 years old, Jesse was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney cancer, and eventually had to have his one kidney removed in May 2015. “I didn’t get chemo, but doctors did take my kidney and several lymph nodes,” said Jesse Williams.

Despite persisting with the Seahawks and playing in the preseason games, Jesse was eventually released by the team. But he didn’t give up yet, and currently works for a company, Elie Pacific Sports, training young kids, helping them to achieve their football dreams in Australia. The cancer had largely gone away, but a new heart condition was diagnosed when Jesse, 34, was coming back home in Brisbane.

“I felt pain in my chest, but I had a 90-minute ride home. My pain threshold is pretty high, so I just kept driving until I got home and then went to see a doctor. They did an angiogram but did not put in any stents. My heart is currently functioning at 35 percent,” said Jesse Williams about his heart condition. The same condition has disabled Jesse from traveling and attending games now, as he aims to fight through the battle and come out strong. “Right now, I want to stay alive,” said an emotional Jesse. Prayers and thoughts are with Jesse, as we hope he finally battles through the health struggles and rises strong.