In a surprising development, Arizona Cardinals rookie safety Wydett Williams may have the opportunity to return to college football. He is among 16 players who received a temporary restraining order allowing them to play another season at the NCAA level, according to ESPN.
The NCAA recently updated its eligibility rules, permitting five seasons of play within five years. However, this change did not apply to recent seniors like Williams, which led to the current lawsuits. NCAA officials expressed concerns that allowing a sudden influx of fifth-year players could displace incoming freshmen who had already committed to their teams.
As a result of the lawsuits, several judges have granted temporary restraining orders, enabling athletes to compete while their cases are under consideration. If Williams and other players are released from their NFL contracts by September 1, they could join a college roster.
Williams, who stands at 6-1 and weighs 200 lbs, began his college career at Delta State, later transferring to Louisiana-Monroe and Ole Miss before going undrafted this spring. Currently, he is not expected to make the Cardinals' 53-man roster, although he might be placed on their practice squad.
With the Cardinals' safety position already filled by players such as Budda Baker and Andrew Wingard, Williams's chances of remaining with the team appear slim. He has recorded nine total tackles in the Cardinals' two preseason games. If he decides to leave the NFL, he may seek a transfer to another college that needs additional players at the safety position.
