Reaction pours in on social media after Rawleigh Williams decides to walk away from football
By Kevin Duffey
Published:
The news that Arkansas running back Rawleigh Williams III is walking away from football is sobering.
Arkansas’ talented back doesn’t want to risk further injury, and he announced his decision on the school’s official website.
Williams led the SEC in rushing yards during the regular season in 2016, and he was looking ahead to a huge 2017 campaign. But after Williams was carted off the field during the final practice of the spring for Arkansas, things got real for him, and living a healthy life overshadowed anything he could accomplish on the football field.
After a freshman season in 2015 that was cut short due to a serious neck injury that required neck fusion surgery, Williams ultimately walked away from the game he loved and wrote a very touching letter on Arkansas’ official website.
Following Williams’ announcement, reaction poured in on social media:
One of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make, but I'll continue to live by Proverbs 3:5-6. WPS. https://t.co/cD78ATLAzX
— Rawleigh III (@The3rdRawleigh) May 8, 2017
Sad news @The3rdRawleigh has to hang up the cleats. Hate to see it end like this but his Future is Bright as a young man and @ArkRazorbacks
— Marcus Spears (@mspears96) May 8, 2017
He always has a plan for our lives no matter what we may think it is he knows!!! #salute Fam one time for @The3rdRawleigh
— Marcus Spears (@mspears96) May 8, 2017
What a heartfelt and mature letter by @The3rdRawleigh, who's a reflection of his parents, the Arkansas program and @BretBielema.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) May 8, 2017
On behalf of all Alabama fans, it was a pleasure watching you play football. Best wishes, best of luck.
— Jimmy Stein (@qb_country) May 8, 2017
Hog fans will miss you but be greatful for the time we got to see you play. I wish you all the best in your bright future. #WPS
— Chris Go HOGS!! (@cridings1) May 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/Just_Theron/status/861639907365793793
Good luck on your recovery, great football player and great young man. God bless.
— George McGill (@SuperRealMcGill) May 8, 2017
God bless you. As a mother I have to agree with your decision. You will be missed on & off the field. #WPS4Ever
— Debbie ❤️? (@skylinenlr) May 8, 2017
One of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make, but I'll continue to live by Proverbs 3:5-6. WPS. https://t.co/cD78ATLAzX
— Rawleigh III (@The3rdRawleigh) May 8, 2017
@The3rdRawleigh On behalf of all Razorback fans, I salute your responsible decision. Hope the best for you and your family. Enjoyed watching you play #WPS
— Tyler Burchfield (@BurchfieldTyler) May 8, 2017
@The3rdRawleigh We love you. Rawleigh the person. The healthy whole one not just the football player. You will always be a hog. Always. God has a plan. ❤
— Christy (@Razorchic21) May 8, 2017
@The3rdRawleigh Proud u are a Razorback. You will always be a fan favorite even if ur not on the field. U are the epitome of “Uncommon,” & will win in life.
— Jarrett Jackson (@jarrettjackson) May 8, 2017
@The3rdRawleigh @TheKamrenCurl Words can’t say how sorry I am that this happened to you man. But life is life & football is just a sport. God bless you man. WOOPIG4EVER
— Rawleigh Strong WPS (@BigPhil870) May 8, 2017
@The3rdRawleigh God Bless You Rawleigh! You are an incredible young man and someone worthy to be looked up to by young kids. Your future is bright! #wps
— Randy Green (@GMEN_63) May 8, 2017
@The3rdRawleigh It was a pleasure watching you suit up as a Razorback. You’ll do great things in wherever life takes you
— HudRock (@hudrock) May 8, 2017
@The3rdRawleigh A sad loss for Hog fans, but a wise decision. You are and will always be a Razorback. WPS!
— MarInLR (@Morganmarb) May 8, 2017
@The3rdRawleigh Wow man that brought me to tears. We will all miss you running for our team, but life us so much more than a game. God bless you man.
— Joshua Carr (@JCarr41279) May 8, 2017
A graduate of the University of Florida and founder of Saturday Down South, Kevin is a college football enthusiast.
