The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame announced former University of Memphis star and NFL player for the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers DeAngelo Williams as a 2020 Hall of Fame inductee. It was announced today by Brad Willis, Chief Advancement & Operations Officer for the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
Williams joins a star-studded list of inductees which includes former Titans coach Jeff Fisher, former University of Tennessee quarterback Heath Shuler, NBA legend Tony Delk, advocate for women in sports Bettye Giles, “the godfather of Tennessee golf” Dick Horton, NHL player and sports analyst Terry Crisp, former ETSU and Auburn University basketball coach Sonny Smith, two-time NCAA National Championship Vanderbilt University baseball coach Tim Corbin and college football defensive coordinator Carl Torbush.
“A four-year run at Memphis, and an 11-year NFL career can’t properly encapsulate DeAngelo Williams’ contributions to the world,” said Brad Willis, Chief Advancement and Operations Officer for the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “DeAngelo’s philanthropic efforts and his work to raise much-needed funds and awareness for breast cancer are among the ideals that set him above the rest.”
DeAngelo Williams had a shining football career at the University of Memphis where he still holds 10 school records. In four years, he rushed for 6,026 career yards and 55 touchdowns. In 2005, he was a Heisman Trophy candidate and averaged an NCAA-leading 178.55 rushing yards per game his senior year. Williams was named to 16 All-America teams including the elite Walter Camp and American Football Coaches Association squads. He was also a Doak Walker Award finalist as a senior and was given MVP honors in the 2005 Motor City Bowl and 2006 Senior Bowl. Williams played nine seasons with the Carolina Panthers and holds the franchise’s single-season rushing record with 1,515 yards along with being the Panthers’ second all-time leading rusher with 6,846 yards. He played his final two NFL seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Overall, he had four NFL playoff appearances – three with Carolina and 1 with Pittsburgh.
The 2020 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony details and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks.
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame honors figures from every sport including basketball, baseball, football, golf, soccer and track & field, along with coaches, teams, sports writers and others who made an impact. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development oversees all operations along with the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors.
For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made an impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms, from all across the state. Additionally, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is located at 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for children and can be purchased at the Visitor Center in Bridgestone Arena, right outside of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Group rates are available for 10 or more. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.