Jun 23, 2008 - 10:37 AM
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Dallas Cowboys safety Roy Williams is ready to silence his critics.
Speaking at an autograph session last week in Hurst, Texas, Williams seemed at peace with his new role with the Cowboys and said this season is "put up or shut up" for him.
A Pro Bowl safety, Williams has drawn heavy criticism for his deficiencies in pass coverage throughout his career.
The criticism has gotten louder this offseason following a second straight sub-par campaign in which Williams did not register a forced fumble or a sack and, for the first time in his career, had to be taken off the field during obvious passing downs.
A dynamic player in the box, Williams has always struggled in space. Teams routinely use four- and five-receiver sets to isolate the 6-foot, 229-pound safety who plays more like a linebacker. Williams also has drawn heat for his repeated "horse collar tackles," which have been banned by the NFL.
But Williams, who is changing his number from 31 to 38 as a way to signify a fresh start, said he is using the criticism as motivation.
"I am going to show that I still got it," Williams told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "I am happy people are criticizing me. It doesn't feel good, but sometimes you need that driving force.
"I am excited about this season. I have to go out there and show it. It's put up or shut up. It's time for me to put up and let you guys know I can still play this game at a high level."
In addition to the criticism from the media, teammates have pointed to his declining play, fueling rumors that the Cowboys would trade or cut the five-year veteran.
However, with the Cowboys set to open camp next month, owner Jerry Jones reportedly met with Williams recently and told him he is not going anywhere. Williams, who signed a five-year, $25.2 million contract extension in 2006, was thankful for Jones' support.
"Sometimes it is real comforting to know you have supporters still out there, that they are still behind you," Williams said. "It's been hurtful.
"I was blindsided by the (cut-him-or-trade-him talk) - that is crazy. I don't plan on playing for another team. I plan to retire as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. I even talked to Jerry about it. He said don't even worry about it. He said, 'I am not worried about you performing on the football field.'"
The eighth overall draft pick in 2002, Williams says his ultimate goal is to help the Cowboys end their 11-year postseason winless drought and capture a Super Bowl - even if that means coming off the field in passing situations.
With the addition of Adam "Pacman" Jones and rookie Mike Jenkins, the Cowboys likely will use cornerback Anthony Henry in dime situations rather than Williams.
"I have to submit and say that Anthony Henry is probably better at this than I am," Williams said. "That is totally fine. What is our goal? Our goal is to win a Super Bowl."
Williams also said he has no problem with Pro Bowl cornerback Terence Newman, who said in an interview that Williams looked like "a deer in headlights" at times last season.
"I heard what he said," Williams said. "I have an excellent relationship with Terence. I feel some of his words got misconstrued. Me and Terence talked about it."
