Eddie J. Williams, fullback of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and formerly with the Seattle Seahawks, speaks at an Auburn High School DECA event at 12:30 p.m. Friday,
Lori Jacobs, advisor for the school’s award-winning DECA program, leads the effort called Trojans Taking Charge.
“The concept of obesity hits close to home for me and my family,” said Williams, who lives in the Seattle area during the offseason and is the young adult pastor at Mountain Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Covington. “My goal is to help create awareness about the importance of health, be it physically, mentally and also spiritually, especially amongst our young people.”
According to King County Public Health Data Watch, Auburn ranks among the most obese cities in King County with one in five youth being overweight or obese. The study also showed that rates were highest among males, youth of color and those in South King County. Further studies have shown that youth obesity can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, as well as breathing and joint problems.
DECA Inc., a not-for-profit student organization, has impacted the lives of more than 10 million students, educators, school administrators and business professionals DECA’s High School Division includes 185,000 members in 5,000 schools.
Williams received his bachelor of arts in communications duties from the University of Idaho, and played on the Vandals football team. He was a three-time team captain and team leader for the Vandals, season MVP, two-time Most Inspirational Player and Offensive Player of the Year.
In 2008, Eddie was first team all-conference and SI.com All-American, with more than 100 receptions as a running back, wide receiver and tight end, together with and more than 30 carries and 15 touchdowns. He was drafted to the NFL in the seventh round by the Washington Redskins in 2009.
Williams has been a part of numerous programs for youth, including the NFL’s Play60, and supports organizations such as Cleveland Food Bank, Feed My Starving Children and veterans hospitals.
He is writing his first book, scheduled for release this fall, and is also a featured blogger for the Christian Post.
Auburn High School is at 800 Fourth St. NE.
About Eddie J. Williams:
Eddie Williams is a Christian, husband to wife Sarah and father to daughter Emmanuella. Williams, a five-year NFL veteran, is pursuing a master’s in divinity. Williams is the young adults pastor and church planner at Mountain Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Covington. Williams is also a noted speaker, not only to his youth ministry, but to teens, not-for-profit organizations and churches throughout the country. Williams’ topics include: faith, leadership, motivation, health and nutrition, drug/alcohol prevention, bullying, teen violence and the consequences of fatherlessness. During the summer, Williams runs Catalyst Football Camp, the 2013 tour will include Bellevue, the Bay Area (Calif.) and Chicago.
