Since 2018, Patrick Mahomes’ offense has consistently been in the top six in terms of scoring, but the Chiefs’ defense, which is based on low-cost defensive backs, has kept up. Tyrann Mathieu came and went. In San Francisco, Charvarius Ward became a $40 million man. And Juan Thornhill went to Cleveland. But the Chiefs restock regardless of who they lose. They won the Super Bowl in 2022 despite starting four rookies in the secondary throughout their postseason run.

Major Williams, a UDFA safety, is entering a machine like that, where the leash is short and the expectations are extremely high. The Carson-Newman product is not naive. He is aware of the odds. However, he is also aware of his strengths, which include adaptability and hunger. In 12 games this past season, Williams, who stands 6’1″ and weighs 190 pounds, recorded 53 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 6 pass breakups. He can blitz from the nickel, rotate into zone, and clean up in run support like it’s personal.

And off the field? He is bringing with him a new type of playbook. He’s walking in with a book idea. “I can’t wait to share my story, man. I’m gonna write a book about, you know, the things I’ve been through, and I’m just a testament to the guys coming from a small school,” Williams stated in a podcast broadcast on X, moments after sliding on a Chiefs cap. “I just want people to know what the NIL and everything out here right now. They can find you, you know, it’s all about the work you put in” A silent push for every underappreciated player attempting to make a name for themselves in the NIL era. It’s a message laced with hard work, a nod to the lengthy journey from Carson-Newman to Kansas City. For Williams, it’s not just about making it, it’s about ensuring that others know that they can too.

And as long as he’s working, he doesn’t care where he plays. He declared, “I honestly don’t care where they put me at. I’m packing my lunchbox, my hard hat, everything… I’m so ready to go, man.” As a teammate-in-training as well as a fanatic, he even gave Patrick Mahomes his flowers in advance. Williams said, “I love to get an interception like, ‘Here, Pat, go seal it off for us’.”

However, emotion isn’t the only factor here. His philosophy is in line with the developmental mentality of the Chiefs: bring in undeveloped players, develop them, and win with depth. Williams is a good example. Following the rookie minicamp, Kansas City announced that they signed Major Williams, cutting cornerback Robert Rochell to create space. This action speaks more about the Chiefs’ calibre than Rochell’s flaws.

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This goes beyond simply trimming the roster. They have done so since Brett Veach came on board. The Chiefs are identifying talent in overlooked areas and making the difficult decisions. They have had 17 defensive backs since 2018, ranging from All-Pros to one-year rentals, all the while collecting Lombardi trophies.

And the Chiefs had had enough of Robert Rochell. Before moving to Kansas City, cornerback Rochell, a former Rams draft selection, briefly found daylight in Green Bay. Rochell was signed to a $1.2 million, one-year prove-it contract, but his time was limited. His resume includes one pick, 48 games, and special teams flashes. Kansas City, however, doesn’t use ‘flashes.’ They have fits.

And that’s where Major Williams steps in. His journey reflects the concept of the Chiefs. He was not from Georgia or Alabama. On draft day, he didn’t hear his name. He came from a D-II program where hometown hope and pasture silence took the place of Friday night lights. Although he earned an All-American for his accomplishments at Carson-Newman. But it was his motor, not just his stats, that drew KC’s staff in.

And that’s the distinction. Tomorrow, Williams won’t outdo Bryan Cook or Justin Reid. However, he will be in line with Jaden Hicks, Chamarri Conner, and anybody else who makes it through the grind. He will wait. And when that time arrives? The remainder of the chapter will be written by him. Nothing is guaranteed in Kansas City other than the opportunity to establish your identity. And that’s all Major Williams needs, as he said, “I’m home, man. I can’t wait…I’m real hungry.”