Karlos Williams was a key contributor to the Florida State University team that secured the BCS National Championship Game victory in 2014. A highly-rated three-sport athlete in high school, Williams was ranked by Rivals.com as the second-best safety and eighth-best player overall in his class. At Florida State, he initially played safety and return specialist, appearing in 12 games as a backup in 2011 and 14 games with one start in 2012. A significant shift in his collegiate career came in 2013 when he transitioned to running back after the first game of his junior season, marking his debut with an impressive 65-yard touchdown run.
That year, he amassed 730 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 91 carries. In 2014, he started his senior season as the primary running back, concluding with 689 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 150 carries. His collegiate performance led to him being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round (155th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft. Williams professional career with the Buffalo Bills began with immediate impact in 2015.
After one impactful season with the Bills, Williams was released in August 2016. He subsequently signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad later that year, further demonstrating his valued skill set within the league. In 2019, he expanded his professional journey by signing a futures contract with the Toronto Argonauts, showcasing his adaptability and continued pursuit of elite football opportunities. Williams retired from professional football in 2021, concluding a dynamic career marked by his exceptional versatility and ability to make an immediate, tangible impact on the field.
From his collegiate success and a BCS National Championship title to tying an NFL rookie touchdown record, he consistently proved to be a compelling and adaptable talent throughout his athletic endeavors.