John Williams Jr. (Canadian football)

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John M. Williams Jr. (born September 23, 1977) is a former Canadian Football League running back who played for the BC Lions, Edmonton Eskimos, Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He was known as a versatile hybrid player who could line up at running back, fullback, tight end or slot-back and contribute on special teams. He grew up in Millgrove, Ontario, attended Waterdown District High School, and played college football first at the University of Rhode Island and later Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. He is the son of former CFL star John "Twiggy" Williams, who played in the league from 1967 to 1975 and later worked as a Detroit Lions scout, exposing him to NFL legends like Barry Sanders.

Williams was drafted 31st overall in the 2002 CFL Draft by the BC Lions. He spent 2002 with the Lions and then the Eskimos on their practice roster in 2003. From 2004 to 2007 he played for the Toronto Argonauts, featuring on offense and especially on special teams, and was part of the Argonauts’ 2004 Grey Cup-winning team. In 2008 he was traded to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, where he played 17 games and took on multiple roles. In 2009 he became more involved on offense and as a returner before retiring after the season. He is a two-time Grey Cup champion (2003 and 2004).