Kristian Williams (American football)

Kristian Williams
Williams with the Denver Broncos in 2025
No. 75  Denver Broncos
PositionDefensive end
Roster statusActive
Personal information
Born (2000-12-05) December 5, 2000
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Listed weight295 lb (134 kg)
Career information
High schoolSouthwind
(Memphis, Tennessee)
CollegeOregon (2019–2021)
Missouri (2022–2024)
NFL draft2025: undrafted
Career history
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Kristian Williams (born December 5, 2000) is an American professional football defensive end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oregon Ducks and the Missouri Tigers. Williams was signed by the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2025.

Early life

Williams grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, attending Southwind High School in his youth.[1] At Southwind, he helped the football team win 27 games and make three state playoff appearances.[2] As a senior, he recorded seven sacks, 30 tackles, and three fumble recoveries and was named a 2018 first team all-state selection.[2] Upon graduating, he was named a three-star defensive tackle prospect by ESPN.[3]

College career

Oregon

Williams eventually committed to playing football at Oregon.[4] Over three years, he played in 24 games, starting four and totaling 25 tackles, one sack, one pass breakup, and one pressure.[4][2]

Missouri

Ahead of the 2022 season, Williams transferred to Missouri.[2] He played in all 13 games in hist first season with the Tigers, making 11 starts and logging 28 tackles, six tackles-for-loss, two sacks, one pass breakup, and two pressures.[2] Williams followed up his 2022 campaign in 2023 with 24 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, two pass breakups, one pressure, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery across 13 games and 11 starts.[2] In 2024, Williams was named a team captain.[5][6] In his final season at Missouri, Williams started all 13 games and recorded 30 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, one sack, one pass breakup, four pressures, and a forced fumble.[2][1]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 1+58 in
(1.87 m)
296 lb
(134 kg)
32 in
(0.81 m)
10+18 in
(0.26 m)
5.10 s 1.75 s 2.94 s 4.76 s 7.44 s 27 in
(0.69 m)
9 ft 1 in
(2.77 m)
31 reps
All values from Pro Day[7]

After going unselected in the 2025 NFL draft, Williams signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent on May 9, 2025.[8][6] On August 26, he was designated as waived/injured.[9] A day later, he reverted to injured reserve.[10] On September 8, Williams was waived from injured reserve with an injury settlement.[11]

On January 29, 2026, Williams signed a reserve/futures contract with the Broncos after spending the majority of the 2025 season as a free agent.[12]

References

  1. ^ a b "Williams Signs as Undrafted Free Agent; Flagg Jr. Invited to Rookie Mini Camp". University of Missouri Athletics. 2025-05-03. Retrieved 2026-02-16.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Kristian Williams - Football". University of Missouri Athletics. Retrieved 2026-02-16.
  3. ^ "Football Recruiting - Kristian Williams - Player Profiles - ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2026-02-16.
  4. ^ a b "Kristian Williams - Football". University of Oregon Athletics. Retrieved 2026-02-16.
  5. ^ McAndrew, Calum (2024-03-04). "How will Mizzou football replace departed defensive talent? Depth chart projection from spring camp". Columbia Daily Tribune. Retrieved 2026-02-16.
  6. ^ a b Heath, Jon (2025-05-09). "Broncos officially sign undrafted free agents: Meet the 15 players". Broncos Wire. Retrieved 2026-02-16.
  7. ^ "2025 Draft Scout Kristian Williams - DT - Missouri". draftscout.com. Retrieved February 16, 2026.
  8. ^ DiLalla, Aric (2025-05-09). "Broncos sign 15 college free agents, make additional roster moves". Denver Broncos. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
  9. ^ Heath, Jon (2025-08-26). "Broncos officially announced 30 roster moves on Tuesday". Broncos Wire. Retrieved 2026-02-16.
  10. ^ Heath, Jon (2025-08-27). "Broncos defensive lineman reverts to injured reserve". Broncos Wire. Retrieved 2026-02-16.
  11. ^ Kelberman, Zack (2025-09-08). "Broncos Waive Rookie DT from Injured Reserve". Denver Broncos On SI. Retrieved 2026-02-16.
  12. ^ "Broncos' Kristian Williams: Gets future deal with Denver". CBS Sports. 2026-01-29. Retrieved 2026-02-16.