Javonte Williams is a physical Cowboys running back who broke 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in 2025.
Javonte Williams revived his career in Dallas after several seasons with the Denver Broncos. The former North Carolina standout delivered a career year in 2025, finally crossing the 1,000-yard rushing mark. His contact balance and three-down ability make him a workhorse for the Cowboys' backfield.
Path to the league
Williams played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, where he was known for his tackle-breaking running style. The Denver Broncos selected him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys in March 2025.
Career highlights
Williams established himself as a tough, physical back early in his career before a knee injury slowed his Denver tenure. He answered with a breakout 2025 in Dallas, reaching the 1,000-yard rushing milestone for the first time, per Tar Heel Times. He earned a 75.3 overall PFF grade for the season.
2025 season
Williams carried 252 times for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt. He added 35 receptions for 137 yards and two scores as a receiver. His PFF rushing grade of 81.7 ranked among the top 15 qualified running backs.
Sources
- Tar Heel Times: Cowboys running back Javonte Williams hits 1,000-yard mark, a career-first
- ESPN: Javonte Williams player page
Statistics
2025 season and career2025 Season · Rushing
16 games played▶Rushing · career
| Year | Team | GP | CAR | YDS | AVG | TD | LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | cowboys | 3 | 43 | 169 | 3.9 | 2 | 22 |
| 2025 | cowboys | 16 | 252 | 1,201 | 4.8 | 11 | 66 |
| 2024 | broncos | 17 | 139 | 513 | 3.7 | 4 | 20 |
| 2023 | broncos | 16 | 217 | 774 | 3.6 | 3 | 21 |
| 2022 | broncos | 4 | 47 | 204 | 4.3 | 0 | 17 |
| 2021 | broncos | 17 | 203 | 903 | 4.4 | 4 | 49 |
▶Receiving · career
| Year | Team | GP | REC | YDS | AVG | TD | LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | cowboys | 3 | 10 | 56 | 5.6 | 1 | 17 |
| 2025 | cowboys | 16 | 35 | 137 | 3.9 | 2 | 14 |
| 2024 | broncos | 17 | 52 | 346 | 6.7 | 0 | 34 |
| 2023 | broncos | 16 | 47 | 228 | 4.9 | 2 | 18 |
| 2022 | broncos | 4 | 16 | 76 | 4.8 | 0 | 13 |
| 2021 | broncos | 17 | 43 | 316 | 7.3 | 3 | 42 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Running Back
- Group
- offense
- College
- North Carolina
- Hometown
- Wallace, NC, USA
- Age
- 26
- Status
- active
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