PULLMAN, Wash.— It was just another kick-off return.
Washington State receiver Kristoff Williams had fielded hundreds of kick-offs in practice and during games.
Little did he know this would be the last play of his career.
The 6-foot-2 Williams was stood up by a Nevada player as another defender smashed into the back of his head. The blow caused Williams' ears to ring violently. When he reached the sideline, trainers immediately assessed Williams for a possible concussion. He would never return to the field.
"I would have symptoms for a week, go through the protocol, then practice and the symptoms would return," Williams said. "Concussions are something the team definitely take seriously. They do not let you go back out there unless you are symptom-free. Since my symptoms are still present, the risk outweighs the reward."
Seven weeks after the Nevada game, the 22-year-old redshirt senior retired from college football.
"A lot of athletes are not thinking long-term. You have to realize that even if you make it (to the NFL), that will be short-lived," Williams said. "I want to be successful outside of athletics."
Facing concussion, Williams makes tough decision
Williams had a breakout season in 2013. He caught 51 balls for nearly 500 yards -- both were career highs -- and was named WSU's most valuable special teams player. He also graduated with a degree in criminal justice last spring, and earned a place on the Pac-12's All-Academic First Team.
Degree in hand, he decided to return to Coach Mike Leach's team this fall to fulfill his commitment. But then it all ended in one play.
"It was disappointing," Williams said. "The only reason I came back was to fulfill my commitment."
There came a point where Williams' health was more important than coming out of the tunnel on Saturdays. Williams consulted team doctors and went through the protocols to try to come back but a return to the field was deemed too risky.
Williams called on one of his main support groups, his parents, to help him make his decision. Dan Williams, Kristoff's father, is currently completing his fourth tour in the U.S. Army.
"I sat down and told him, your health is paramount," said Dan. " In life you make choices and there can be consequences. If you can't deal with those consequences, then it's time to make a change. He could go back on the field and suffer a life-altering injury."
Now that Williams is no longer a member of WSU Athletics, he has renewed his focus on his dream of becoming a judge. Williams is an intern at Student Legal Services and is on the University's conduct board.
"Athletics took at least 20 hours a week. It was challenging at times to manage my school work with all the things I wanted to do," Williams said.
Williams still spends most of his time studying and participating in meetings with the University Conduct Board. Despite this extra time allotted to focus on his studies, Williams misses lining up beside his teammates.
"I miss being around my guys," Williams said with a smile. "We developed tight bonds and great friendships."
Turning his focus to law school
For Williams, once a prized recruit, the letters are arriving from law schools around the country. Georgetown, Michigan, and UC Berkeley have offered him spots.
"I want to start off in criminal law. I think it is a powerful tool and provides me with a voice. It is my civic duty," Williams said.
Since childhood Williams has been an advocate of justice. His mother, Corlette Williams, has watched her son develop into a man who wants to make a difference.
"Kristoff is very observant and as a kid he would get frustrated if people got away with things. He made sure that others were treated with respect," Corlette said.
Williams' road to success started by following the example of his parents. His father graduated from West Point. His mother, 51, is currently working on a master's degree.
Williams' parents taught him to always stay focused on his goal and maintain integrity. By following these guidelines and with years of determination, Williams has put himself within reach of his goals.
"Most kids would come back from concussions and play, but Kristoff was willing to stop. He was willing to realize his health was the most important thing and that he has a lot to live for," Corlette said.
On Saturday, the annual Apple Cup between the Cougars and the Washington Huskies will be played. The competitor inside Williams calls to him, but he knows he can contribute in another way.
"I wish I could be on the field with my teammates," said Williams. "But I'll be there supporting them."
The transition from participant to spectator has been difficult for Williams, but in the end, the future law student ruled in favor of his health.
The Murrow News Service provides local, regional and statewide stories reported by journalism students at the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University.
