Georgia Bulldogs defensive end Mykel Williams’ parents, John Johnson and Shemekia Williams, supported their son throughout his football journey. The young talent is considered a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Williams played high school football at Hardaway, where he became a four-star prospect.
At Hardaway, Mykel was ranked nationally the sixth-best defensive lineman prospect and third-best in Georgia.
There were several rumors of him joining the Georgia Bulldogs, but on June 15, 2021, the youngster announced his commitment to USC.
It looked like an opportunity missed for the Bulldogs. But in a stunning turning of events–in October 2021, Williams announced his de-commitment from USC and joined the Bulldogs.
In his freshman year with the Bulldogs, Williams started in two of the 15 games and ended the season with 28 total tackles.
He played 13 games in his sophomore year, making 10 starts at DL. He led the team in sacks with 4.5 and tallied 18 tackles.
In what is believed to be his final season with the Bulldogs, Mykel has totaled 20 tackles and 5 sacks.
Bulldogs and Notre Dame are going head-to-head in the Sugar Bowl, with Mykel considered a difference-maker for his side.
The Father-Son Duo of Mykel Williams And John Johnson Believed In Their Process
Despite all the hype surrounding their son, Mykel Williams’ parents, John Johnson and Shemekia Williams, tell him not to be deterred from his main goal.
Like his father said in his interview with Sports Illustrated–success didn’t come overnight.
There were a lot of these late nights at the gym in high school. He had a real passion for the game and was willing to do what was required.
via: Sports Illustrated
Johnson revealed that his son was a three-sport athlete growing up. Mykel played football and basketball and enjoyed wrestling.
At first, he gravitated towards basketball, and why wouldn’t he? At 6’5, he had the right physique for it.
Eventually, Mykel decided to pursue football and it has proven to be the right decision.
As a freshman in high school, Mykel played two games at offensive tackle, but John thought that wasn’t the right position for his son.
He urged Mykel to have a conversation with the coach to switch him to the defensive side.
After the coach’s approval, Mykel and John both went to work.
John and Mykel would follow every defensive line instructional video on X (formerly Twitter).
Johnson purchased the hand guards, cones, and everything else and worked with his son all summer.
But the hard work and effort resulted in Williams getting injured. Williams strained his patella, sidelining him for a few games in his sophomore season.
John compliments his son’s tough mentality and discipline, and even when the injury happened, Mykel believed they were heading in the right direction.
Johnson believes what separated his son from others was what he was doing off the field.
Mykel would constantly study his films as well as his opponents and watch them extensively on weekends.
This hard work and belief have made Mykel one of the best college prospects and a success story that will be told for a long time.
Mykel Williams’ Mom, Shemekia Williams, Has Stayed Out of The Limelight
Proud mom Shemekia Williams, hasn’t conducted many interviews.
On her Facebook handle, Shemekia has shared a few photos with her high-achieving son.
Some of those photos include pictures of her and her son on the red carpets of prestigious award ceremonies.
In an interview with the Georgia Bulldogs website, Mykel revealed a few plans he has for his life beyond football. These plans include his mom.
The future NFL star said his mom wants him to start a catering service.
Mykel added that his mom and her whole side of the family love to cook.
When asked about the best thing his mom makes, Mykel said he absolutely loves his mom’s Rotel Dip.
There’s no doubt that Shemekia is proud of her son’s achievements despite her not talking about it in interviews.
We will certainly see Shemekia with John and their other kids on Draft Day as Williams begins his next journey.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- On her Twitter bio, Shemekia has mentioned she has three other kids- Mikayala, Mririya, and ShaMari.
- Williams’ sister, Mikayla Johnson, plays high school basketball and recently announced her commitment to the New Orleans Privateers.
