NFL Star Jamaal Williams Embraces His Love for Anime

NFL star Jamaal Williams shared insights on how anime helps alleviate loneliness by creating connections among fans. During Anime Expo 2024, Williams, now a running back for the New Orleans Saints, opened up about using anime to break the stigma surrounding the hobby. Despite the growing popularity of anime, some Black fans still feel isolated when starting their anime journey. At the Crunchyroll panel focusing on Black fandom in anime, Williams emphasized the importance of being confident and finding friends who accept and love all aspects of you.

“I know there’s always somebody out there who can relate to my story,” Williams said. “If I can affect one person, let them know it’s okay to be themselves, it’s worth it. You may find that people think it’s weird, but it’s fun and fine to be yourself. Those who see your authenticity will come to you because they know you won’t judge them. It’s crucial to be around people who are genuine and accept you for who you are.”

Williams, a long-time Naruto fan, has always found lessons to carry with him from anime. Whether it’s older series like Naruto or newer favorites like Fire Force and One Piece, anime has contributed significantly to his focus and mental clarity. He reminisced about his high school days, when friends teased him about running with his hands behind his back, a trademark Naruto move. Despite the teasing, he never changed his “nerdy” ways, as his friends respected him for his football skills.

“It’s funny now because my friends from high school used to tease me,” Williams recalled. “‘You remember how you used to run around with your hands behind your back?’ they would say. Every day I reminded them about it. They had to accept my nerdy ways because I wasn’t changing for anyone. Anime kept me calm and focused; it was my peace zone.”

Anime has always been a positive influence for Williams, never leading to trouble or jeopardizing his career. He believes it helps him handle adversity and stay calm. “Even now, when I’m going through tough times, I can go back to watching the stuff I loved as a kid. I learn new ways of living and handling challenges. It’s just healthy,” he said.

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Source: ComicBook