The Philadelphia Eagles released former Toronto Argonauts offensive tackle Bernard Williams on Thursday — 29 years after he played his final snap in the NFL.
Williams was selected with the 14th overall pick in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft, starting 16 games for the Eagles and earning a spot on the league’s all-rookie team. It would be his last season in the NFL, as the Georgia product was suspended twice in 1995 for marijuana use and indefinitely barred from the league after being discouraged from applying for reinstatement.
The NFL was reportedly clearing out players from old reserve lists this week when they discovered Williams had never formally been released by the Eagles, making him technically still a member of the team. The organization promptly put the 51-year-old on waivers, meaning he could be claimed by any of the other 31 teams.
Williams first revived his career with the B.C. Lions in 2000, playing five games. After stints in the XFL and Arena Football League, he signed with the Toronto Argonauts in 2003 and spent the next four seasons with the club, winning a Grey Cup in 2004. He was named a CFL East Division all-star in 2005 and 2006.
The native of Memphis, Ten. wrapped up his career in 2006 after being charged with sexual assault in August. He was acquitted of the charge in February 2009.
