Troy University Athletics
If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again: AZ Williams Battle Through Adversity to Success
11/5/2025 4:00:00 PM | Football
TROY, Ala. – Adversity is something everyone deals with, but for AZ Williams, it's his faith that has helped him to overcome it. Williams battled with two ACL tears, once in his final year of high school and again in his freshman year of college. Growing up in a religious family as the son of a pastor, he relies on Christ to overcome his challenges.
"My faith has made me into a completely different person," Williams said. "You just grow and grow and grow and then look back as time goes by, I see how much I've changed and didn't even realize it."
Playing football at Stanhope Elmore High School in Millbrook, Ala., Williams accounted for 41 tackles, four interceptions and three turnovers during his senior year. When he suffered his first ACL injury, it was his defensive coordinator and former Troy linebacker Hunter Adams who helped motivate him to keep going.
"He was always hyped and always positive, no matter the outcome," Williams said. "When we found out I tore my ACL, he hugged me and always made sure I knew the doors to the weight room and his office were open to me."
After finishing his time with the Mustangs, Williams attended UAB and did not play football his freshman year while battling another ACL injury. When he chose to come to the wiregrass to play for the Men of Troy, Adams was one of the first to congratulate him.
"When I enrolled at Troy, he got excited. Still to this day, when I see him, I go up and hug his neck." Williams said. "He's been one of the biggest positive influences for me."
Returning to football was not an easy decision, though. He would not have done it without the encouragement of his family.
"After my second injury, I was kind of giving up on myself. Williams said. "It was my grandmother who said, 'You don't want to live with regret, and if something is meant for you, then you'll find out. You just have to trust God to show you.' and I take that very seriously."
Now a senior, Williams is grateful for the support he has received from his teammates and coaches.
"When I first got here, I kept asking myself 'Do I still have it?' and just being around the guys in the locker room gave me confidence," Williams said. "I've made friends here for a lifetime. It's just the way football works. These guys will meet my kids one day. They're friends I'll have forever."
As his career has progressed, Williams has learned the importance of mental health and making sure to help his younger teammates through that.
"Football players go through a lot," Williams said. "Sometimes we try to hold things in because it can feel embarrassing to talk about what we're going through. I try to be a guy people can talk to about what they're feeling or going through, both physically and mentally."
Williams hopes to pursue a career in strength training and helping others better their performances in the weight room. Something that Williams originally was not a fan of himself.
"I was not a weight room type of guy, but when I got serious about it, I was able to get mentally right and focus more on the game," Williams said. "I think that's a good route for me."
The senior has not seen action in his first couple of years in the bandit position, but he continues to push himself to be the best he can be and help his teammates both on and off the field. He's continued to display to others the biggest thing that can help them succeed: faith.
"My faith has made me into a completely different person," Williams said. "You just grow and grow and grow and then look back as time goes by, I see how much I've changed and didn't even realize it."
Playing football at Stanhope Elmore High School in Millbrook, Ala., Williams accounted for 41 tackles, four interceptions and three turnovers during his senior year. When he suffered his first ACL injury, it was his defensive coordinator and former Troy linebacker Hunter Adams who helped motivate him to keep going.
"He was always hyped and always positive, no matter the outcome," Williams said. "When we found out I tore my ACL, he hugged me and always made sure I knew the doors to the weight room and his office were open to me."
After finishing his time with the Mustangs, Williams attended UAB and did not play football his freshman year while battling another ACL injury. When he chose to come to the wiregrass to play for the Men of Troy, Adams was one of the first to congratulate him.
"When I enrolled at Troy, he got excited. Still to this day, when I see him, I go up and hug his neck." Williams said. "He's been one of the biggest positive influences for me."
Returning to football was not an easy decision, though. He would not have done it without the encouragement of his family.
"After my second injury, I was kind of giving up on myself. Williams said. "It was my grandmother who said, 'You don't want to live with regret, and if something is meant for you, then you'll find out. You just have to trust God to show you.' and I take that very seriously."
Now a senior, Williams is grateful for the support he has received from his teammates and coaches.
"When I first got here, I kept asking myself 'Do I still have it?' and just being around the guys in the locker room gave me confidence," Williams said. "I've made friends here for a lifetime. It's just the way football works. These guys will meet my kids one day. They're friends I'll have forever."
As his career has progressed, Williams has learned the importance of mental health and making sure to help his younger teammates through that.
"Football players go through a lot," Williams said. "Sometimes we try to hold things in because it can feel embarrassing to talk about what we're going through. I try to be a guy people can talk to about what they're feeling or going through, both physically and mentally."
Williams hopes to pursue a career in strength training and helping others better their performances in the weight room. Something that Williams originally was not a fan of himself.
"I was not a weight room type of guy, but when I got serious about it, I was able to get mentally right and focus more on the game," Williams said. "I think that's a good route for me."
The senior has not seen action in his first couple of years in the bandit position, but he continues to push himself to be the best he can be and help his teammates both on and off the field. He's continued to display to others the biggest thing that can help them succeed: faith.
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