Vikings Place DL Kevin Williams On Reserve/Retired List

Update:

The Vikings officially placed DT Kevin Williams on the reserve/retired list Thursday.

———

The Minnesota Vikings announced Wednesday that they’ve signed veteran DT Kevin Williams to a one-day so he can retire as a member of the organization

“Kevin was one of the most respected players in Vikings history by his teammates and by opponents,” said Vikings GM Rick Spielman. “He set a high standard for himself and led by example instead of words. We thank him for everything he gave the Vikings and the legacy he leaves.”

“Kevin Williams was an established team leader when we bought the Vikings and his presence was crucial to our success,” said Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. “His consistency and durability makes him a Viking for the ages. We wish Kevin and his family all the best as they enjoy retirement.”

“I had a great time with the Vikings and appreciate them giving me a chance,” Williams said. “They drafted a small town kid from Arkansas and the organization, the city, the whole state really, helped raise me into a man. I appreciate them for that and look forward to coming back and doing some things with the team. My family loved it in Minnesota and will be back a lot. I really thank the Wilf Family and the McCombs Family for all they did for me. I had some great coaches, got to line up with some great players and we did a lot of good things. I look back on that line we had with Pat, Jared, Ray, B-Rob and Fred- I hope we set a standard for how you do things up front.”

Williams, 35, is a former first-round pick of the Vikings back in 2003. He spent 11 years in Minnesota before signing on with the Seahawks as a free agent in 2014.

The Saints signed Williams to a one-year contract last year, but there wasn’t a lot of buzz about him during the offseason.

In total, Williams recorded 373 tackles, 63 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, 13 recoveries, five interceptions and 71 pass defenses. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and made five first-team All-Pro units.