Two months after announcing his retirement from pro football, former NFL cornerback Joejuan Williams has shared news about his post-playing career: as he posted on social media, the 28-year-old is returning to the New England Patriots, albeit in a different capacity than previously.
The former second-round draft pick will join the Patriots’ coaching staff this summer as part of the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship.
A second-round draft pick by the Patriots in 2019, Williams appeared in a combined 38 regular season and playoff games for the team. Despite an intriguing athletic profile, he never managed to carve out a regular role on the defensive side of the ball and had his most consistent impact on special teams. As a consequence, the team opted not to re-sign him as a free agent in 2023.
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Williams subsequently spent time with the Vikings, Bears and Saints, adding six more games to bring his career total to 44. He last played in a game in January 2024, and in May announced his decision to step away from the game. He headed into coaching almost instantly, first getting an opportunity at his alma mater, Vanderbilt.
“I ran into my corners coach at Vandy one day. I was telling him, ‘Hey, I plan on coaching probably the ’27 season,’ and he was like, ‘Nah, come in now,’” Williams told commanders.com earlier this offseason. “I came in, showed up ever since and it was just natural, being in the room, talking to the guys, teaching them.”
After getting his feet wet at Vanderbilt, Williams joined the Commanders as a Bill Walsh fellow. He spent two weeks in Washington, and will now try to build on his experience in New England.
The Patriots will open their 2026 training camp on Saturday, July 25.
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