After seven seasons in the NFL, former Auburn running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams had a significant pursuit to finish his degree.
Williams was lifted by the winds of progress Saturday morning when he received his Liberal Arts diploma at the Auburn University Fall Graduation Ceremony.
"Very glad to be finally getting my degree here," Williams said. "I've been procrastinating for 10 years now. It's an honor and a pleasure to get my degree this morning, and be an official alumni of Auburn University."
Williams had quite the journey before he decided to return to the Plains and finish his degree.
After the Gadsden native played his last game for Auburn 10 years ago he was drafted in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played seven years for the league.
The 2004 SEC Special Teams Player of the Year also started his own insurance company in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Williams said it felt like he never left Auburn when he returned this year to press on with his quest of graduating.
The 32-year-old had plenty of memories to reminisce from his days as a standout football player here.
The first-team-All-American set the school record with 45 rushing touchdowns and rushed for 1,165 yards and 12 touchdowns his senior season.
Williams and Auburn teammate Ronnie Brown were the first two running backs in NFL Draft history from the same college to be drafted in the top five in the same season.
Williams didn't just go back to school for himself.
"This is something nobody could ever take from me," Williams said. "This is something I not only did for myself, but for my family. I'm the first one to graduate in my family."
His mother always wanted him to go back and finish his degree, and Williams wanted to be an example for his son, who is 10 months old.
"When he is growing up I want to stress how important education is," Williams said. "For me to have my college degree, I think that can go long ways."
The days of playing football are over for him, but Williams said he is highly interested in exploring the coaching part of the game.
"I would love to get back into football whether it's coaching or doing something with it," Williams said. "I either want to go to college or high school."
Graduating was another accomplishment to add to the NFL and all the great things Williams did on the field as an Auburn player.
Williams is confident those accomplishments will assist him in educating and encouraging young people to accomplish their goals in the future.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
