Javonte Williams might be providing headlines in Dallas, but in Denver, there’s no whiff of regret.
The former Denver Broncos running back, who signed with the Dallas Cowboys over the offseason, erupted to life on the field to start the 2025 NFL season, scoring the Cowboys’ first two touchdowns. But even as the start was explosive, Broncos fans are holding steady: they know the whole deal.
A Hot Start in Dallas
Williams’ first-week performance made headlines throughout the league. He’s obviously gained the Cowboys’ coaching staff’s confidence, earning the starter role and producing the most with his initial touches.
But while Dallas rallies around his efforts, the whispers from Denver reveal a different story.
From Promise to Letdown in Denver
Drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Williams was at first a dawning star. His first season promised something special: crushing runs, vision, and big-play potential.
And then there was the 2022 knee injury. A strike that many feel he never got over.
In the two subsequent seasons, Williams was unable to recapture his fire. His average yards gained per carry fell under four, and his overall effectiveness plummeted. For a team looking to construct around stable production, this was a cause for concern.
Why Denver Let Him Walk
Denver’s decision to move on wasn’t driven by emotion; it was grounded in performance. Despite his strengths in pass protection, Williams no longer fit the mould of what the Broncos needed in their backfield.
With the arrival of JK Dobbins, who brings both efficient running and similar blocking ability, the writing was on the wall for Williams.
“He was simply not an efficient runner anymore, and that’s the primary reason why Denver did not bring him back.”
Don’t Let the Scoreboard Fool You
To put Williams’ Week 1 fireworks in context, it’s significant to recognize that the Philadelphia Eagles were without a significant contributor, Jalen Carter.
The star defensive lineman was ejected before the first snap following a spitting incident that has drawn league-wide scrutiny.
So yes, Williams found the end zone twice. But he was running against a defensive line that had lost its anchor.
Broncos Fans Aren’t Second-Guessing Themselves
Watching from afar, some fans might wonder if Denver made a mistake. But most Broncos loyalists aren’t looking back.
“Overall, Broncos fans might be watching the first part of this game and thinking that the team made a mistake by letting Williams depart in free agency, but he never really ran away with the Cowboys’ RB job and is still not an efficient running back.”
A Flash or a Turnaround?
The key question now: Is this the beginning of a redemption arc for Javonte Williams? Or just a flash in the pan made to look bigger by a weakened defence?
Time will tell. But for now, Broncos fans aren’t fooled. They’ve seen the full picture, and a couple of touchdowns won’t rewrite history.
Javonte Williams’ struggles post-injury mirror the careers of many once-promising NFL backs. Running backs face the harshest wear-and-tear in the league, and bouncing back from major knee injuries is notoriously difficult.
Denver’s move wasn’t personal; it was strategic. And for now, it seems they’re comfortable with the path they chose.
