Chandler Williams

Chandler Williams, III (August 9, 1985 – January 5, 2013) was an American football wide receiver who last played as a member of the Tampa Bay Storm. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida International.

Williams was also a member of the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, and Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League as well as the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.

Early years
Williams attended Miami Senior High School in Miami, Florida and was a student, a letterman in football, basketball, track, and badminton, and was a member of the Five Thousand Role Models of Excellence Program. In football, he was twice named the Team Offensive Player of the Year. Chandler Williams graduated from Miami Senior High School in 2003.

College career
Williams played four years at FIU and left as the best receiver in school history. Williams was Florida International's career leader in receptions with 203 receptions until T.Y. Hilton caught 229 receptions in his four year career. Chandler still owns the record for most receptions in a single game with 12. Williams also returned punts in college.

In his senior season he ranked ninth nationally in receptions per game and first in the Sun Belt Conference. Williams also led the conference in yards per game averaging 66.4 yards per game.

Minnesota Vikings
Williams was selected in the seventh round (233rd overall selection) of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Vikings. Williams was the second player in Florida International's history to be selected in the NFL Draft. (Antwan Barnes was picked in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens). Williams was the second of the Vikings' eight draft picks to sign a contract on May 30, 2007. He was cut by the Vikings after training camp in 2007.

Miami Dolphins
Williams was later signed to the practice squad of the Miami Dolphins, where he spent the entire season. He was re-signed in the 2008 offseason, but was waived on April 25.

Atlanta Falcons
Williams was signed by the Falcons on April 29, 2008. He was released by the Falcons during final cuts on August 30. On November 11, the Falcons re-signed him to their practice squad.

After spending the entire 2008 season on the practice squad, Williams was re-signed to a future contract on January 5, 2009. He was waived on September 4.

Kansas City Chiefs
Williams was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad on December 23, 2009. After his contract expired following the season, he was re-signed to a future contract on January 4, 2010. He was cut by the Chiefs on May 6, 2010.

He was later re-signed and waived again on August 29, 2011.

Toronto Argonauts
On June 6, 2012, Williams signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. He was released by the Argonauts on October 4, 2012. During his stint with the Argonauts, Williams recorded 4 receptions for 88 yards, his longest reception for 55 yards.

Personal life
Williams was married to Vanitia Harrigan. They had a daughter together, Tori Summer-Rose Williams.

Death
Williams died on January 5, 2013 of a suspected heart related condition while participating in a flag football tournament in Miami. He was 27.