New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is widely regarded as one of the better interior linemen in the NFL after four pro seasons and change. Already, the 25-year-old has totaled 219 tackles and 28 sacks. He had a career-best 2022 season with 55 tackles and 12 QB takedowns.
That showing earned Williams both Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors for the first time in his career. It also earned him a monster payday. Williams agreed to a four-year, $96 million contract extension with the Jets in July.
Williams’ statistical output has been rather subdued so far in 2023, registering just half a sack through eight games. Of course, he’s proven to be the type of talent who can rack them up quickly, but he’s pacing for a career-low sack total this year. That lack of box-score production led to some controversy on Monday.
What Did Troy Aikman Say?
During New York’s Monday Night Football loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, announcer Troy Aikman commented on Williams’ substantial impact, despite his minimal output on the stat sheet thus far.
“Sacks or not, Quinnen Williams is having an impact on games in the pressure that he’s able to get and the double teams that he attracts. He opens things up for all these other players,” Aikman said.
“Quinnen Williams, he keeps telling Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich, they’ve got to come up with some ways to get him some single opportunities, so he can get some sacks. He says he’s the highest-paid decoy in football.”
Williams wasn’t particularly fond of words being put in his mouth.
Quinnen Williams Responds to Aikman’s Comments
While Aikman was praising Williams’ play, the standout lineman recently revealed to reporters that he took umbrage with Aikman’s remarks. Specifically, he stated that they were misleading and, frankly, untrue.
“Can I say something real quick? I (saw) something that Troy Aikman said that I said something about being a decoy. Like, I never said that,” Williams explained. “I never talked to Troy Aikman, I never said that to Troy Aikman. I don’t know where he got that from. That never came out of my mouth that I was the highest-paid decoy.”
Aikman has not yet responded to Williams’ remarks. But it’ll be interesting to see what explanation he offers.
Although he never declaratively said that he had spoken directly with Williams, it’s strongly implied in the “he [Williams] says” statements that Aikman used during the broadcast that there was some communication. If not with Williams directly, then at least with a source fairly close to him and the team.
It’s worth noting there is some truth in Aikman’s remarks. Williams hasn’t been as statistically impactful this year, but his presence is still being felt in several other ways. And he definitely frees up more opportunities for his teammates on the defensive side of the ball.
MORE: Aaron Rodgers Gives Timeline on Return
That said, it’s glaringly bad practice to misattribute quotes, especially for someone with a platform as prominent as Aikman’s. Again, there may still be a perfectly reasonable explanation for the gaffe.
Regardless, it’s clear that Williams was ticked off by the snafu. And Aikman, once a star QB for the Dallas Cowboys, should count himself fortunate that he spends his time these days up in the booth and not lined up under center opposite an angry Williams.
From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!
