For the second year in a row, Yoruba Harrison of Next Level Sports along with the Williams family and Episcopal High School paid tribute to former Episcopal star and NFL veteran Jimmy Williams by naming a 7v7 tournament at his alma mater.
Williams was a star athlete at Episcopal and later went on to not only be an All-SEC player for the Vanderbilt Commodores, but he also went on to play in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. After his career was over, Williams spent the rest of his life giving back to the community and school that helped him become a star by becoming a coach and a defensive coordinator for the Episcopal Knights.
Although Jimmy Williams’ life was tragically cut way too short after his battle with cancer in 2022, his legacy continues to live on not only in the Episcopal community, but the Baton Rouge community through this 7v7 tournament.
“I am so glad. I couldn’t have asked for a better day. Last year was amazing. This year’s was just as great and I am looking forward to continuing to do this. We get to honor who Jimmy was and who he still is. He is still impactful and he was all about promoting youth sports and youth athletes. It was fun to watch. This year, I got to stay on the field and watch the last game being played. To see one of his former kids coaching, it was just a full circle moment. It was a great day today.”
Chandra Williams
It was a full circle moment as the coach that Jimmy Williams did mentor is on Scotlandville’s staff, which just so happened to be the winning team in the tournament after defeating Southern Lab in the championship game.
However, both teams did not leave empty handed as both Scotlandville and Southern Lab received financial contributions from the Jimmy Williams Legacy Fund for their football programs.
Along with the two schools, plenty of other schools took part in this great event including J.S. Clark, Istrouma, Liberty, Glen Oaks, Donaldsonville, Episcopal, and East Iberville.
The competition was great on the field, but the camaraderie of everybody unifying for one mission, which is Jimmy’s is truly special.
“The love that this community still continues to show, I don’t have the words to articulate not just for me and my family, but for each other. Hearing stories about Jimmy and what he meant to people and just showing up today is really nice. It’s meaningful and it shows a life well lived.”
Chandra Williams
To support the Jimmy Williams Legacy Fund that is enhancing student services, promoting mental health, and improving the well-being of families affected by cancer, you can visit their website for more information below.
7v7 Memorial Tournament | JRW Legacy
Check out the highlights of the Jimmy Williams 7v7 Tournament!
Check out these great pictures taken by Mo Thomas of GameChangherz Media! Make sure to give her a follow on social media for her great work of covering and capturing high school athletics!
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