ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Former North Carolina defensive tackle Sylvester Williams missed the first practice of Broncos training camp Thursday morning.
The rookie had a good reason — he hadn’t yet signed his contract.
But less than an hour after the first practice wrapped, Williams was in Dove Valley inking his name on a four-year $7.6 million contract, including a $3.9 million signing bonus and another $2.2 million in guarantees.
Williams, who started his college career at Coffeyville Community College, said he was emotional when he finally signed with the club.
“For me, it was an emotional moment because I went back to my past and thought about some of the things I had been through and where I am today,” Williams said. “It almost brought me to tears, but the biggest thing that I can say is that I’m excited to be here and ready to work.”
He wore UNC shirt while he signed, a reminder of the place where he spent his final two seasons of college football.
Before he arrived in Chapel Hill, Williams played one season of high school football and then worked at Modine Manufacturing Company making radiator parts for big trucks.
“When I signed the contract, I thought about the factory,” Williams said. “When I was back at home a few weeks ago, I actually drove by the factory just to see where it all started. For me, that was the starting point because I realized that was a point in my life that I didn’t want to return to.”
With a nearly $8 million contract, Williams likely won’t return to that point.
He doesn’t even have plans for a big first purchase on an NFL salary.
“I’m not a flashy person so I can say, the biggest thing for me is I just want to make sure that my father is OK,” Williams said. “I mean I have a vehicle right now that runs good so I’m pretty much satisfied with my life right now. So just make sure my father’s straight and put my money away and see how far this football thing will take.”
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