Kendall Williamson - Give Back

Chicago Bears safety Kendall Williamson says that he could not be more grateful for the chance to be selected by the Bears and the opportunity to play at the next level. Starting in all 12 games of his senior year at Stanford, Kendall has stood out both on the field and in the classroom. Drafted in the 7th round of the 2023 draft by the Chicago Bears, Kendall looks to make a name for himself and help contribute to the Bears in whatever way he can. Carrying with him a deep humility and kindness towards others, Kendall looks to use his gifts to play for something greater than himself.

While his performance on the field has always impressed, Kendall has also made a name for himself away from it too. Known for his high character and honorable characteristics, Kendall has been praised for the man that he has become. Although the journey has not always been an easy one, Kendall says that he has been able to rely on faith throughout the process. Kendall says his faith journey has been one with its ups and downs, but surrounding himself with the right people has been key.

“I feel like the biggest ups can be attributed to being around other people who are strong in their faith and have a solid relationship with God. My biggest downs had to be when I was trying to figure out life on my own. I’d say now more than ever my faith has been more important to me because I see more clearly all that God has done for me and what he can do for people in general.”

One of the top players in his class coming out of his home state of Georgia, Kendall says that attending Stanford has been one of the best choices he has ever made. Since arriving on campus, Kendall has been named to the Pac-12 All-Academic Honor Roll four times and was given the Tommy Vardell Award, which honors a junior or senior who best epitomizes excellence in both academics and athletics. Throughout his journey in football and in the classroom, Kendall says that oftentimes he relied too much on himself to be successful. Somewhere along the journey, Kendall says he was blessed with mentors and people who allowed him to take that pressure and burden off.

“I had been surrounded by great people who help me more accountable for my faith and shared countless lessons that I would never forget. I know that the mission that God has given me is not one that I can accomplish alone. In my moments of weakness and during the days, weeks, or months that I may be down, He gives me strength.”

When talking to Kendall about his success, he will never be the one to take the credit. He instead always points to those around him, saying they are the reason that he has been able to grow into who he is today. Guided by their support, Kendall says he just hopes to use the game of football as an opportunity to give back.

“The biggest impact I hope to have with my platform is truly to give back. I get to play a sport I love and there has been so much that has been given to me, more than I could even know. I would love to do what I can for others because there are a lot of people in my life who poured into me to put me in this position. Hopefully, I can do the same for someone else, no matter how big or how small.”

As Kendall looks to prove himself in the months leading up to the 2023 NFL season, he will continue to use every chance he gets to make an impact on the community around him. With a heart of service, Kendall looks to give in whatever way he can. Kendall says that he doesn’t know what the future holds, but putting it in God’s hands gives him comfort to treasure each moment he gets to play the game he loves.

“There’s a certain level of comfort in knowing that all that happens in this journey is according to His plan. He is doing it for me rather than to me.”