Former Washington Redskins Super Bowl Champion quarterback and current front office member Doug Williams will be the subject of a new sports movie biopic produced by Will Packer Productions. According to Deadline, the Los Angeles based production company has secured exclusive rights to the life story of Williams, who became the first black quarterback to win a Super Bowl back in 1988.
The timely project will focus on Williams' career and his journey to the top of the NFL. A legendary leader and athlete, Williams served as the trailblazer for future black quarterbacks in professional football.
"As NFL players today raise their voices around the fight for justice and equality, none stood taller than Doug Williams, who proved once and for all that the notion of an African American being ill equipped to play quarterback was nothing more than a fallacy," said Will Packer. "Doug's inspirational story will positively impact fans of all ages for years to come."
In 1977, Williams led Grambling State and the NCAA in several categories, including total yards from scrimmage, passing yards, touchdown passes and yards per play. He finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting, behind Earl Campbell, Terry Miller and Ken MacAfee. Williams was a two-time recipient of the Black College Player of the Year Award, and guided the Tigers to a 36-7 record as a four-year starter, which included three Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championships. Grambling State later named a street after him.
Williams was drafted No. 17 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1978 NFL Draft, and went on to lead the team to their first three playoff appearances in team history. In 1986, the Redskins acquired Williams, who went on to win MVP in the Redskins' memorable XXII Super Bowl victory over the Denver Broncos. After trailing 10-0 at the end of the first quarter, Williams and the Redskins scored 42 unanswered points, including a record-breaking 35 in the second quarter. Williams set or tied several Super Bowl passing records during that game, including most touchdown passes (four), most passing yards (340), longest pass completion (80 yards) and longest touchdown pass (80 yards).
"There are no better individuals than Will Packer and James Lopez to really tell my story," said Williams. "Their unparalleled success in moviemaking ensures that my journey will be told with the upmost authenticity. I am very excited to be working with Will Packer Productions."
Following the firing of longtime president Bruce Allen earlier this offseason, the Redskins made the decision to retain Williams -- who will now report directly to head coach Ron Rivera. Originally hired in 2014 to assist the personnel staff, the 64-year-old Williams spent three years in his initial role before earning a promotion to senior vice president of player personnel in 2017, essentially replacing fired general manager Scot McCloughan as the club's top front-office voice next to Allen. Credited with expanding Washington's scouting department, he also oversaw the talent evaluation staff.
