Kyren Lawrence Williams (born August 26, 2000) is an American professional football running back for the Los Angeles Rams in the National Football League (NFL). A star at Notre Dame, Williams was drafted by the Rams in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Known for his explosiveness, agility, and vision, Williams has quickly developed into one of the league’s most reliable young running backs.
This biography covers Kyren Williams’ early life, college football career at Notre Dame, NFL stats, achievements, contract details, personal life, and more.
Early Life and High School Career
Kyren Williams grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and attended St. John Vianney High School. A versatile athlete, he dominated on both sides of the ball.
- Junior Year: 922 rushing yards, 22 touchdowns, plus 51 receptions for 774 yards and 12 receiving touchdowns.
- Senior Year: 2,035 rushing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 55 receptions for 725 yards. He also excelled on defense, recording 92 tackles, 5 sacks, and 8 interceptions.
His standout performances earned him the title of St. Louis Metro Area Offensive Player of the Year. Rated a three-star recruit, Williams committed to Notre Dame over offers from Michigan, Stanford, Wisconsin, and Michigan State.
👉 Fun Fact: Kyren Williams is the cousin of Jameson Williams, wide receiver for the Detroit Lions.
College Career at Notre Dame
Williams joined Notre Dame as an early enrollee in 2019. Although his freshman year was quiet, he broke out in 2020 as the team’s starting running back.
2020 Season Highlights
- Rushed for 1,125 yards and 13 touchdowns.
- Caught 35 passes for 313 yards and 1 touchdown.
- Named ACC Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year.
- Earned Second-team All-ACC honors.
2021 Season Highlights
- 1,002 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
- 42 receptions for 359 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- Earned Second-team All-American honors.
Williams declared for the 2022 NFL Draft, forgoing his senior year, and skipped the Fiesta Bowl to prepare.
College Career Stats
- Games: 28
- Rushing: 419 carries, 2,153 yards, 27 TDs
- Receiving: 78 catches, 675 yards, 4 TDs
NFL Career
Draft and Rookie Season (2022)
Williams was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 5th round, 164th overall of the 2022 NFL Draft. His rookie season was hampered by injuries, including a broken foot in training camp and a high ankle sprain in the season opener.
- 2022 Stats: 35 carries for 139 yards, 9 receptions for 76 yards.
Breakout Year (2023)
Williams exploded in 2023, becoming the Rams’ starting running back and one of the NFL’s rising stars.
- Season Highlights:
- 1,144 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns.
- 32 receptions for 206 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns.
- First Rams RB since Todd Gurley (2018) to surpass 1,000 rushing yards.
- Named to the Pro Bowl and earned Second-Team All-Pro honors.
- Ranked 78th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024 list.
2024 Season
Williams continued his dominance:
- 1,299 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns.
- 34 receptions for 182 yards and 2 touchdowns.
- Helped the Rams clinch the NFC West title.
2025 Season & Contract Extension
On August 5, 2025, Williams signed a three-year, $33 million contract extension with the Rams, solidifying himself as the team’s long-term starter.
NFL Career Stats (as of Week 4, 2025)
- Games: 42
- Rushing: 647 carries, 2,885 yards, 27 TDs
- Receiving: 83 receptions, 516 yards, 6 TDs
- Postseason: 243 rushing yards, 24 receiving yards, 1 TD
Awards and Achievements
- Pro Bowl (2023)
- Second-team All-Pro (2023)
- Second-team All-American (2021)
- ACC Rookie of the Year (2020)
- ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year (2020)
- Second-team All-ACC (2020)
Personal Life
- Birthday: August 26, 2000 (Age 25 in 2025)
- Height/Weight: 5’9”, 202 lbs
- High School: St. John Vianney, Missouri
- College: Notre Dame
- NFL Team: Los Angeles Rams (#23, RB)
- Cousin: Jameson Williams (WR, Detroit Lions)
Off the field, Kyren Williams is known for his work ethic, leadership, and team-first mentality.
