Former Tiger and Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams was honored this past Friday with a street named after him on his alma mater’s campus, Grambling State University.
What an amazing day! Congratulations to the #GramFam ‘s Doug Williams, iconic @Redskins player and executive who has paved the way for so many in the NFL and here on campus. As of today, Doug now has his own street… pic.twitter.com/1cKlMQKZVp
— Grambling State Univ (@Grambling1901) July 12, 2019
Doug Williams Drive is the latest street on the HBCU’s campus.
“To have a street named after you and to be there for years to come when I’m gone, they can remember that my daddy did something great at Grambling State University along with his teammates,” Williams told the News-Star on Friday
“I don’t look at it as overdue. People are going to do what they feel like they should do. Like they say in church, it might not come when you want it to, but it’s right on time. I look at it, take it in stride and I’m humbled by it.”
District 11 State Rep. Patrick Jefferson, who represents Lincoln, Bienville, and Claiborne parishes, proposed the bill in the legislature to have the street on Grambling’s campus changed to Doug Williams Drive. With a concerted effort, Jefferson said, the bill unanimously passed earlier this legislative session.
“Many people remembered (Super Bowl XXII) because when he was on that stage, it was about GSU, but Louisiana took note. Every legislator was so excited,” Jefferson said.
“We’re honoring a man who is the perennial MVP. For us, he’s the perennial Super Bowl MVP and we’re just thankful I had a part to be able to participate in toady. What he’s doing, what he’s done and continues to do for Grambling State will ensure that there will always be a Grambling State University,” Jefferson said. “He stands on the shoulders of many before him and we stand on his shoulders.
Friends and family showed their support, congratulating the athlete on his accomplishment.
In honor of @GSU_TIGERS naming a street after #RedskinsLegend Doug Williams his friend @MagicJohnson sends this message ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/7yIt4nMgb6
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 9, 2019
Williams is best known for being the first black quarterback to win the Super Bowl. He also received Heisman votes while at Grambling, playing under the great Eddie Robinson.
Williams later returned to the university to coach the program, leading it to multiple SWAC and HBCU national titles.
