Dan Campbell defends Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams again: “I know what this kid’s made of”

“I judge people over what’s in their heart and I know what this kid’s made of and he’s worth hanging with.” Dan Campbell continued to defend Jameson Williams’ character today.

Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell defended Jameson Williams’ integrity after the Detroit Police Department requested a warrant from the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for an incident involving a firearm on October 8.

“For me, I judge people over what’s in their heart and I know what this kid’s made of and he’s worth hanging with,” Campbell told the audience. “So, he’s going to learn from this, he’s going to grow, he’ll be better for all of this.”

Williams was nearly arrested three weeks ago for keeping a firearm in his brother’s vehicle. The pistol was duly registered in his name, but he had not obtained a Concealed Pistol License (CPL). His brother, the vehicle’s driver, also possessed a pistol and a valid CPL.

During the traffic stop, Williams and his brother revealed that they both had guns in the vehicle—one in the backseat and one under Williams’ seat—and after some discussion, he was handcuffed and placed in the back of a police cruiser. However, once senior officers arrived on the scene, the police finally released him without prosecution.A recent investigation by WXYZ in Detroit, however, forced the Detroit Police Department to conduct an internal inquiry and then issue the requested warrant.

The Detroit Police Department issued a statement on Tuesday night, stating that the investigation is still ongoing and that new information has been discovered. “We take every inquiry seriously, particularly when new complaints and evidence surface, and we are committed to acting quickly and transparently. Once new facts are established, we make the required modifications in our decision-making process. Let it be clear: No one in the City of Detroit is above the law. Anyone who commits a crime will be held responsible, regardless of their position or status.”

The police and the NFL continue to consider punishment.

Williams’ attorney, Todd Flood, stated that the CPL in his brother’s name lawfully covers both weapons.

“On October 8, my clients were stopped for an alleged driving offence. During the stop, my clients were helpful and polite of the police officers. The two firearms seized in the truck were both lawfully registered, and the driver had the necessary qualifications to carry them. We have cooperated with law enforcement and intend to continue doing so.”

Campbell stated that Williams was open and honest about the issue, immediately informing the squad.

Williams has now had three off-field incidents in just over a year. He received a four-game ban in 2023 for breaking the league’s gambling policy, is now serving a two-game suspension for breaching the league’s Performance Enhancing Substances policy, and is now facing a firearm-related incident. The recurring trend in these occurrences appears to be a lack of attention to detail in the rules, both in the NFL and in real life.

Campbell said they will continue to do their best to ensure Williams has all of the necessary information. And he does not see the recent series of events as a lack of progress.

“It certainly doesn’t look good, I get that, but at the same token, it just kind of all came on here at the same time and it’s really decision-making for him,” Campbell told reporters. “And that’s where he knows that he can be better. Don’t place yourself in those circumstances. He’s going to learn from this, grow from it. We’ve talked about it, and I still think there’s been a ton of progress out of this player.”

Williams has already served one of his two-game suspension. The league issued a statement stating that the Lions have kept them informed of the recent firearms incident, but they have no additional comments at this time. The NFL is unlikely to intervene until Williams has gone through the entire legal process.