Who backs up Dallas Cowboys standout running back Javonte Williams has been a popular offseason storyline. There's no debate about his spot atop the depth chart after the club's substantial investment in him, though.
Williams truly broke out in his inaugural campaign with the Cowboys and was rewarded with a three-year, $24 million contract extension back in February. Many have taken their foot off the gas upon earning that kind of financial security, yet the payday is having the opposite effect on him.
All Williams needed was to taste dominance to know he never wants to be below the remarkably lofty standards set by a long-awaited coming-out party. Money aside, the 2021 second-round pick sees his impressive efforts as a springboard for much more — for him and Dallas.
"It felt good," Williams said via Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News ($). "Just knowing all my hard work paid off and I got a little bit of security. But I've still got a lot more to prove. I at least want to go to the Pro Bowl and definitely want to get to a Super Bowl with the [Cowboys]. Just working hard, grinding, and trying to be a better version of myself. That's all I'm worried about."
Cowboys' Javonte Williams isn't satisfied after long-awaited breakout
Put Williams' comments in the "things Cowboys Nation loves to hear" category. He just reached a high point in his NFL career and is already aiming for new heights. The bruising playmaker is seemingly motivated by accolades and is striving to represent Dallas on football's most prominent stages.
Shoot for the moon; even if you miss, you'll land among the stars, as the saying goes. Williams made a leap but remains hungry and operating as if he still has something to prove. His mindset is admirable and should only help him in the long run.
Despite his commendable confidence, it's debatable whether Williams has another gear to hit. He was a bona fide stud in Year 1 with the Cowboys, which the numbers bear out.
49 RBs recorded at least 100 carries in 2025, including the playoffs, with Williams being one of them. He was near the top in several key metrics, specifically the categories mentioned below, per Pro Football Focus ($):
- Fourth in yards after contact per attempt (3.56)
- Fifth in rushing touchdowns (11)
- Sixth in rushing first downs (67)
- Ninth in missed tackles forced (54)
Statistically speaking, Williams has established himself as a top option at his position. He posted an elite 56.3 percent rushing success rate last season, good for eighth out of 49 qualified players, according to Pro Football Reference.
For what it's worth, Williams has significant room for growth as a pass-catcher. He uncharacteristically regressed to being one of the worst receivers out of the backfield despite turning the tide in Dallas. Rediscovering his route-running chops can further elevate him and an offense that projects to be among the league's most potent again.
But regardless, his mindset is exactly what this team needs.
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