By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Two former HBCU football standouts are making headlines in the NFL after securing new contracts during the opening day of free agency.
Former Fayetteville State defensive back Joshua Williams has signed a two-year deal with the Tennessee Titans after spending his first four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Williams, a CIAA standout, helped lead the Broncos to the CIAA championship game in each of his four seasons from 2018 to 2021. During his college career, he recorded 79 total tackles, five interceptions, and 17 pass breakups before entering the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Chiefs selected Williams in the fourth round, making him just the second player in Fayetteville State history to be drafted into the NFL.
Williams quickly became part of a winning culture in Kansas City, contributing to two Super Bowl championship teams during his first two seasons. In the 2022 AFC Championship Game, Williams made a key play that helped secure the Chiefs’ victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Meanwhile, another former Chiefs defender and HBCU standout is also changing teams.
Bryan Cook, who began his college career at Howard University, has signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Cook played two seasons with the Bison before transferring to the University of Cincinnati, where he finished his college career before being selected by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The safety became a key contributor in Kansas City, helping the franchise capture two Super Bowl titles. Over the last two seasons, Cook started all 17 games each year, including a 2024 season in which he recorded 78 tackles and two interceptions.
Both players now join teams looking to improve in 2026, with the Titans finishing 3-14 last season and the Bengals ranking near the bottom of the league in defense.
Their moves highlight the continued impact of HBCU athletes at the highest level of professional football.