Cowboys RB Javonte Williams considered retirement before signing with team

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams has revealed that he nearly walked away from the NFL before finding a new lease on his football career in Dallas. The 26-year-old admitted that his time with the Denver Broncos left him questioning his future in the sport before joining the Cowboys and rediscovering his passion for the game.

Speaking on Down 2 Business on Wednesday, Williams opened up about how close he came to retiring and explained how his move to Dallas completely changed his outlook.

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Dallas Cowboys RB Javonte Williams said on @downs2business that following his time with the Denver Broncos and before signing with the Cowboys he gave thought to retiring, just with everything that had happened in his career at that point. "I was really about to just hang up the cleats." "No disrespect to nobody in Denver or nothing like that, I respect everybody over there, I respect what they got going on… just coming to Dallas it felt like it’s a new awakening. I felt like a rebirth." "Just leaving there and coming here, the coaches believing in me, everybody just like lifting me up. It kind of felt like UNC all over again. Me just going out there just playing, having fun." "I just fell in love with the game again. I really had lost love for the game… I had already bought a crib… I’m like I might just start my real estate or something." Javonte gave credit to his faith and family for helping him give things another go.

— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) October 28, 2026

“I was really about to just hang up the cleats,” Williams said. “No disrespect to anybody in Denver… just coming to Dallas it felt like it’s a new awakening.”

Williams also revealed that he had “lost love for the game” and had apparently considered pursuing a career in real estate instead.

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Williams finds new life after difficult Broncos tenure

Oct 26, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) celebrates his touchdown run against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Williams spent his first four NFL seasons with Denver after the Broncos selected him in the second round of the NFL Draft. He enjoyed a promising rookie campaign in 2022, but injuries and inconsistent performances hampered his progress over the following three seasons.

By the time his tenure in Denver ended, Williams was facing uncertainty about his future in football. His eventual move to Dallas, however, proved to be a turning point.

The Cowboys signed Williams for the 2025 season, giving the running back an opportunity to rebuild his career. He responded with the best statistical season of his NFL career, rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns.

His impressive performances convinced Dallas to sign him to a three-year, $24 million contract this offseason, securing his future with the franchise.

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Cowboys running back continues strong 2026 campaign

Oct 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Williams has continued delivering results in 2026, recording 472 rushing yards and eight touchdowns through seven games.

He was particularly effective in Dallas’ 38-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7 on Monday, rushing for 155 yards and a touchdown to help the Cowboys secure an important divisional win.

Despite Williams’ individual success, Dallas has struggled to find consistency, entering Week 8 with a 3-4 record. The Cowboys will host the Arizona Cardinals, who sit at 2-5, on Sunday.

For Williams, the journey from contemplating retirement to becoming a key offensive contributor in Dallas represents a remarkable turnaround. With his confidence seemingly restored, the running back will look to maintain his strong form as the Cowboys attempt to turn their season around.

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