Allen Williams launched his professional football journey as a defensive tackle with the Yokosuka Seahawks in Japan, where he showcased not just his athletic prowess but also a strong dedication to serving his country. His ability to juggle the demands of military service with the rigors of professional sports highlighted his resilience, discipline, and deep sense of purpose.
While serving aboard the USS Blue Ridge, stationed in Japan, Williams received a rare and remarkable chance to play professional football—an opportunity made possible through the support of his commanding officer, Brett Crozier. This unique experience enabled him to chase his football dreams without compromising his commitment to the U.S. Navy, embodying the spirit of perseverance and outstanding character.
INTERVIEW
Interviewer: Allen, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start at the beginning—can you tell us about how your professional journey began?
My name is Allen Williams. Born and raised in Orangeburg, South Carolina. A country boy at heart. Attended Edisto High School in Cordova, South Carolina, and graduated in 2001. Joined the Navy and went to bootcamp Sept 17th, 2001, and that started my Professional career in the navy. I lived in 3 different countries, Italy, Bahrain, and Japan. Travel to over 53 countries. 7 deployments in my career. And ended my naval career after 22 years on June 30th, 2023. From there took a 2 month break to spend time with my family and to recompress. I was hired on by Lockheed Martin as a Sr Integrator Test Engineer due to experience in a field they needed from my military career. I am currently present at this job and enjoy every bit of it. I was a 2024 nominee for Marques Who’s Who of America. I am an ambassador of the Global Children Financial Literacy Foundation. I am a board member of The Ricky Sapp Foundation. I am also a dedicated sponsor for the One Revolution Wrestling based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The CEO of that company was born and raised in Puerto Rico Carlos Soto. Also, I am dedicated Sponsor for the International Wrestling Alliance based out of Puerto Rico with WWE Legend Savio Vega. So introduced these 2 companies where they work hand in hand with wrestlers coming there to Puerto Rico and some IWA wrestlers coming to Colorado to Wrestle.
Interviewer: That’s a rare combination. What was it like playing football overseas, especially in Japan?
Yes, having that opportunity and approval to play in Japan was awesome. Met so many great people along the way. American football in Japan is coming up fast. Lot of fam participation and they just love the game. Difference in fans in Japan they look and learn the game and their expressions when is a big hit or where is a great play, they just be all in unison. When they are fans, they stay fans even when you leave the game. They are very loyal over there. I would say if I rated football back then when I was playing it would been NFL number 1, CFL, number 2 and X-league Japan #3, and all other leagues in counting with the skills and positions. Now it would be NFL,CFL,UFL, then X-league. Me personally I think the NFL and other colleges around the US need to look at Japanese Sumo Wrestlers. Their form and work and stance for the offensive line is awesome. They are so strong to physically and mentally because it takes a lot of mental to eat to gain but also use that weight in full force and hand techniques.
Interviewer: You mentioned serving your country. Was that part of your mission in Japan?
Yes, our mention over there was forward deployed so on some missions its protecting and uniting with the Japanese Navy and just doing joint missions. Others they may have just a joint thing where they travel all over to make joint working and to make joint missions to become as one. But there are water ways all over the world where we do joint missions to help.
Interviewer: How did your time with the Seahawks influence your life after football?
It made me a great networker and helping others. Also, experiencing playing an American sport in another country such as Japan they way they pick up on that game so well.
Interviewer: Looking back, what stands out most about your experience?
I think being responsible at an early age while in the military and the discipline. Also just meeting different folks around the world and all walks of life. Knowing that in some way there is someone out there that’s just like you, looks like you, but talks in a different language. Just now I am open to learning new things and learning new cultures. Eating different foods that maybe is normal to them but its not normal in the US. But the number one thing is making my mom and dad proud and they are knowing what they taught me in life make it good for them to sleep peacefully at night and not worry.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your story, Allen. It’s inspiring to see how sport and service can come together in such a powerful way.
Thank you so much for having me and allowing me to come on your platform to share my story. Hope this can inspire others or maybe help someone that is maybe in the same situation. And as I always say “Winners Train Losers Complain”
