Jameson Williams’ Surprising Admission on Goalpost Penalty
Lions WR sheds light on a crucial moment
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams recently made headlines with a surprising confession regarding a penalty he incurred during a game. Following practice on Thursday, Williams candidly admitted he was unaware that jumping into the goalpost was a penalty that could be flagged by officials.
“I really didn’t know it was a penalty until I sat down on the bench and I saw the field goal team going out,” Williams explained. The revelation highlights the potential pitfalls of being a young player still navigating the complexities of the NFL. “I apologized to Jake (Bates), I apologized to Jack (Fox). I apologized to coach, everybody. I didn’t look at it like that. They told me it wasn’t my fault, but I felt like it was my fault in the moment. We just gotta make plays and have to be smarter.”
A Lesson in Awareness
This incident serves as a reminder for Williams, who was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, to be more mindful of his actions on the field. “You think it’s something I do often? I feel like I only got it one time this year,” he said, adding, “It’s something I can control for sure, but I will move past it. It’s a new week, we got a new game and that’s just that.”
The admission reflects the pressures young athletes face as they adjust to the professional level. With every play scrutinized, the margin for error shrinks significantly. Williams understands that he has a responsibility to his teammates and the coaching staff to avoid unnecessary penalties that could cost the team.
The Coaches’ Perspective
Special teams coach Dave Fipp was also aware of the situation and observed head coach Dan Campbell speaking with Williams after the play. Fipp felt confident that Campbell addressed the matter sufficiently, stating, “The truth is I saw him coming off the field and I saw Dan talk to him, so I knew I didn’t have to say anything.”
Fipp emphasized that the team’s focus should remain on execution, regardless of the occasional mistakes. “If you’re a specialist or in my job, I mean it doesn’t matter. They say, ‘Field goal,’ then we go out there and kick a field goal,” he said. He underscored the importance of not getting caught up in the moment, especially when it comes to making crucial kicks during the game.
“The ball’s on the 30, it’s a 48-yarder, and if it’s on the 15, it’s a 33-yarder. It really doesn’t matter. Our job is to go out there and make the kick. If we go out there and make the kick, then we’re not even worried about it,” Fipp added. The coach also noted the significance of a challenging kick later in the game, reflecting on the pressure and expectations that come with the territory.
As the Lions prepare for their next matchup, Williams’ experience serves as a valuable lesson in awareness and accountability, reminding everyone that in the NFL, every detail matters.
