In his second year as the Dallas Cowboys' offensive coordinator in 2026, Klayton Adams had already formed a strong impression of running back Javonte Williams, calling him ‘one of his favorites’ on the team.

During his recent appearance on NFL Spotlight with Ari Meirov, Adams discussed Williams' work ethic and importance to teamwork as traits that impressed him, along with his versatility to fill in outside zones.

“This guy is an adult,” Adams said, per X post of Ari Meirov. “He is very mature. He's very smart. I'm really into guys who are great teammates, and that dude is a great teammate... His game is extremely well-rounded... He's certainly one of my favorites."

Williams entered the NFL as a second-round pick in 2021 and showed promise early, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors with the Broncos. But Denver did not renew his contract.

The running back signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys in 2025 and re-signed earlier this year in February for three years. He had a breakout season with the Cowboys, recording 252 carries for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025.

Adams also highlighted Williams' versatility and reliability in multiple aspects of the offense.

“He's a good pass protector,” Adams said, per X post of Ari Meirov. “He's got a fundamental game out of the backfield. You know, we're not really restricted to just being a between-the-tackles team with him, because he was relatively efficient with some of our outside zone stuff."

Williams' strong offseason has drawn attention beyond the coaching staff, including from Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith.

Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith Backs Javonte Williams' Confidence

Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith made an appearance at the mandatory minicamp at the Cowboys' facility on June 16, where Williams had an opportunity to speak with Smith.

“It was cool just talking to him," Williams said, per Tommy Yarrish, DallasCowboys.com. "It was my first time meeting him in person. I watch his highlights all the time. Just being another Cowboys running back, I know he's believing in me, he wants me to do my best. So I'm going to do it for him."

As the most underappreciated player on the Cowboys roster, according to the NFL's Tom Blair, Williams shared that Smith advised him to trust his running style and play with confidence heading into the season.

With support from both offensive coordinator Klayton Adams and Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, Williams enters the 2026 season with plenty of confidence.

What are your thoughts on Javonte Williams? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Rudra Dubey