Troy Williamson was the #7 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He was nicknamed “Wide Open” because of his excellent speed and ability to create separation from defenders while at the University of South Carolina. However those skills didn’t translate to the NFL where the speed of the game caught up to him.
In his three years as a Minnesota Viking, he accumulated 79 catches for 1,074 yards and 3 touchdowns. Hampered by dropped passes, Troy Williamson claimed that it was his depth perception that was making it hard to judge the ball’s location in the air. After being considered as a draft bust, Williamson was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 6th round pick in 2007.
Sep 19, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs special projects coach Brad Childress during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Things actually got worse in Jacksonville. As a Jaguar, he only saw action in 10 games over 2 years where he caught 8 passes for 64 yards. Troy Williamson blamed then Vikings head coach Brad Childress for a lot of his problems in Minnesota and actually challenged him to a fight.
Troy Williamson’s NFL career ended after the 2009 season, but he wasn’t done working hard and going after what he loves. He moved back home to Aiken, South Carolina and founded Fighting Against The ODDS, a non-profit organization that promoting youth education, exercise and scholarships. But he wasn’t done there.
In October of 2013, Williamson opened his own franchise restaurant. He decided on opening a Which Wich in Aiken, South Carolina and has had some success in the sandwich business.
In an article on Yahoo! Small Business, Troy Williamson spoke about his entry into the sandwich business:
"Just the whole concept drew me in, since it was something I have never seen before. There was a certain vibe about it that felt electrifying for a sandwich shop."
Williamson seems optimistic about his future with the franchise:
"I am hoping to develop another Which Wich location next year. I am also looking into adding a Smoothie King to my portfolio as well as a gaming truck concept. Now that I have my feet wet with Which Wich, the possibilities are endless."
We at The Viking Age would like to wish Troy Williamson the best of luck in the sandwich business and thank him for his time with the Vikings. Although things didn’t work out in the NFL, it’s good to see that Williamson is still working hard and making things happen.