Edward Williams

Edward Lee "Ed" Williams is a former running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They acquired him just prior to the start of the 1976 season. Williams was arguably the best running back of the Buccaneers' expansion team, as he added a lot of the depth and savvy to the Buccaneers' backfield, although he was behind a mediocre offensive line, and Steve Wilson, one of the best offense lineman in Buccaneers history, only started 5 games. As a fullback, Williams became adapt at running to the outside. He was also a powerful runner with excellent speed for a "big man". Williams ended up playing 26 games at fullback, and starting 15 of them. He was released after the 1977 season, then retired from football.

1976: Part of the (Somewhat) Decent Backfield
Ed Williams was acquired from the Cincinnati Bengals to the Tampa Bay Buccaners, where he started most of the games in the backfield. Williams was benched the entire preseason without carrying the ball one time, and he was not officially a team member until possibly after Earl Douthitt (who previously was to wear No. 43) was released from the team.

Ed Williams signed with the team after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers played on the road against the Houston Oilers and lost 0-20. He started at fullback and carried the ball 12 times for 44 rushing yards. Ed Williams, Essex Johnson, and Parnell Dickinson (the quarterback) were credited with running very well by coach J.K. McKay.

The next week at home against the Buffalo Bills, Ed Williams would lead the way for fellow starter that game and second-year player Louis Carter, who would carry the ball 14 times for 80 yards. Williams himself carried the ball 13 times for 55 yards and well over 4.0 yards per carry average. Williams' 1-yard run with a first down at the Buffalo Bills helped the Buccaneers' come closer to a touchdown, but unfortunately the buccaneers stopped there, when Steve Spurrier threw a pick to Tony Greene on a pass intended for Lee McGriff.