Sid Williams was born in Little Rock, Arkansas and after high school was highly sought after by several universities. Williams chose Wisconsin for its Engineering program, but his college football career got off to a slow start. Williams played on the freshman football team in 1954, but was not invited to the varsity camp in 1955. Perhaps as a portent to his future career as a lawyer, Willimas persuaded the varsity coach to give him a second look and he made the team in 1955 as a backup, but did not see any game aciton. In 1956, Williams was starting as a defensive back, but not seeing any action on offense in an era where most players were still going both ways and separate offensive and deensive squads had not fully evolved. The reason given for Williams not playing offense was that there was no natural positin for him on offense. As it turned out, Williams' natural position was at quarterback, but Williams was an African-American and there were no starting African-Americans playing quarterback in the big ten at the time - nor had there ever been one for that matter. Off to a 1-5-1 start in 1956 and with much of the problems coming at the quarterback spot, Williams made history when he became the starting QB for the finald two games and managed ties against favored Illinois and Minnesota. Williams went on to be the starting quarterback for the next two seasons (1957 and 1958), and Wisconsin had a 13-4-1 record in those two years.

Williams was drafted by the New York Giants (11th round) but never saw any game action with the them. In 1960, Williams played one game for the Montreal Alouettes. This was the final season for Sam Etcheverry in Montreal, and Williams was tried at defensive back. It was a short CFL careeer, but Williams made two interceptions in his only CFL game.In late August, Williams was traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombes, but never played for them.

Williams returned to Wisconsin to get his Engineering degree in 1961 and later would add a law degree to his resume from George Washington University in 1967. Williams would go on to have a very successful career in business law and was / is heavily involved still at Wisconsin, serving on the board of directors and on the Engineering Advisory Board. In 2008, Williams was elected to the Wisconsin Athlets Hall of Fame.

Sidney B. Williams on the Wisconsin Web Site

Sid Williams in the Wisconsin Athlets HOF

Distinguished Service Award - Sidney B. Williams

The First Black Quarterback In The Big Ten

Kalamazoo Honours Sidney Williams

Williams Signs With Alouettes - March 17, 1960