The college football world is grieving the devastating loss of Brian Williams, a former Texas A&M defensive back who passed away at just 24 years old this past weekend.
According to multiple sources, his tragic death was caused by a severe heat stroke suffered during a half-marathon he competed in in Irving, Texas.
Ex-Texas A&M Star Brian Williams, 24, Tragically Passes Away
Brian Williams began his football journey as a five-star recruit. However, his superior character far surpassed his athletic accomplishments. A standout from the Bishop Dunne Catholic School in Dallas, he emerged as one of the top safeties in the nation in 2018.
REST IN PEACE: Brian Williams, a former Dallas high school football standout who also played at Texas A&M, has died, his family says. https://t.co/aiKvMMZ6h8
— WFAA (@wfaa) May 20, 2025
According to Texas A&M football’s website, Williams played in 19 games over a three-year span with the Aggies. His active play earned him the Freshman Strength Award at the annual team banquet.
Outside of football, Williams was a standout in the classroom. He majored in engineering and had a particular passion for mathematics. Per reports, he spent countless hours mentoring younger athletes, often stressing the importance of education and preparation for life beyond football.
Even after his days in College Station, Texas, ended, Williams continued to mentor and guide. His voice remained present in the ears of those still chasing dreams in the sport.
His death was first confirmed by Aggies Today with a statement, “It sounds as though former Texas A&M safety Brian Williams has passed away unexpectedly.”
His older brother, Rawleigh Williams III, shared the news in a heartbreaking message on Instagram, highlighting how he would always remain a missing piece in their journey ahead.
“B, you are my heart. The BEST version of us in every single way, B. I don’t think I can make it without you, but I’m going to try for our parents and our sister. I love you, brother,” Rawleigh posted.
The Texas A&M Aggies’ official X account shared a picture of Williams, paying tribute to his loving memory, with the message, “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of former Texas A&M Football safety Brian Williams ‘24.”
Teammates like Leon O’Neal Jr. remembered him simply but powerfully, with posts like, “Rest easy, brother B Will.”
The death of a young talent like him is a tragedy beyond measure, but his legacy remains in a quiet but powerful echo through the halls of Texas A&M, on the fields he walked, and in the lives he touched.
