Raphael Poppi Williams Jr. has rushed in all six of his targets for 78 yards in Saturday’s thrilling game against Florida State, showing his reliability when the ball is in the air. Even though he hasn’t had many touchdowns lately, he has already tied his season-high in catches and earned at least six targets in four of the last five games.

But what makes his college football journey stand out is that he began his career at Division II Tusculum, where he scored five touchdowns in five games. His little stay was enough to get people to notice him, and he quickly moved to Western Carolina, where he actually started to shine. During his two seasons there, he piled up 120 receptions for over 1,600 yards and 15 touchdowns, which ranked him among the SoCon’s most productive receivers. For Catamount fans, his 16-catch, 177-yard outburst against Wofford remains one of those “remember where you were” moments.

Who are Raphael Williams’s parents?

Raphael Williams Jr.’s story begins in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where his mom, Rachel Sims, used to call him “Poppi” because of his curious eyes. The nickname stayed with him even when he grew up, and so did the energy and heartfelt demeanor. Williams has four siblings: Mikheal McCray, Radaijah McCray, and Ryan Sims. Through every step and every hurdle, his parents, Rachel Sims and Raphael Williams Sr., have been his constant pillars, seeing their son grow from a little child with “pop eyes” to one of Pitt’s most explosive wideouts.

 How did Rachel Sims and Raphael Williams Sr. meet?

There isn’t any public information available about how Rachel Sims and Raphael Williams Sr. met.

What is the ethnicity of Raphael Williams’s parents? 

There is limited public information available regarding the ethnic background of Raphael Williams’s parents, Rachel Sims and Raphael Williams Sr. While the family has largely kept their personal lives private, it is known that Williams grew up in Florida, where he was raised in a close-knit environment that shaped much of his early character and drive. Based on publicly available details and appearances, the family is generally understood to be African-American, though neither Williams nor his parents have spoken publicly about their heritage.

 Inside Raphael Williams’s relationship with his parents

Williams and his parents have a close and grounded relationship. A major influence in his path has been his mother, Rachel Sims, who has always urged him to work hard while maintaining his humility. She is the one who gave him the nickname “Poppi” and continues to be his biggest supporter. Williams frequently attributes his success to his family and faith, stating, “God is good. He always finds a way to come through.” Throughout his football career, Williams has faced several transfers and obstacles, but his father, Raphael Williams Sr., has also been a solid pillar of support. From practicing late at night to adjusting to new teams, his parents’ faith in him remained constant. Both on and off the field, it is evident that his parents’ support and love continue to be at the core of his journey.