Before every Giants practice, Dee Williams is the first one to jump into his footwork routine and say a few quick prayers.
Another routine scene emerges at training camps: Williams gets ready to make plays when the ball comes his way.
Just recently, the second-year cornerback found himself on the first team after making a couple of impressive interceptions.
“It’s incredible,” Williams shared. “Everyone has their own way of inviting God into their journey.”
The Seahawks let Williams go back in December, right before he turned 25.
The Giants picked him up, which afforded him a slight edge in getting accustomed to the 2025 season under defensive coordinator Shane Bowen.
“It was a wild ride,” Williams reflected. “You get into that mindset of thinking, ‘Is this the end of my career?’ But then, another chance came my way.”
This past spring, self-doubt seeped into his thoughts as he started training camp low on the depth chart. But that feeling has since faded.
“At first, I wasn’t fully confident. Questions like, ‘Do I really belong here?’ kept popping up, which is kind of frustrating,” he explained. “But over the last few weeks, my confidence has improved day by day.”
“So, yeah, I’m not surprised by the plays I’m making. It’s really about patience and self-belief. Everyone has tough days; the trick is how you handle them. I take it all one page at a time.”
The cornerback position lacks depth behind players like Paulson Adebo and Deonte Banks, clearing a path for Williams to compete against Tre Hawkins and Art Green.
“I’m aiming for success, whether my teammates are alongside me or not,” Williams stated.
Williams, who is both respectful and quiet, uses the moments after practice to express his gratitude, asks for protection from injuries, and pledges to learn from his mistakes. When he has a moment to spare, he’ll take the time to sign autographs for kids.
“Those who put in the hard work will get more opportunities to showcase their skills,” management suggested.
Coach Brian Daboll was somewhat evasive about whether the starters would play in the upcoming game against the Bills.
Last year, the Giants saw their starters play in the second preseason game, but they sat out the first.
This year presents a different landscape since there’s a joint practice prior to the opener, unlike last August where it was before the second game.
Greg Van Roten, the right guard, returned from a personal absence and rejoined the starter lineup during Monday’s walkthrough.
Lastly, running back Jonathan Ward and linebacker KJ Cloyd were part of the Giants’ last preseason but filled spots left vacant by linebacker Ty Summers (injured reserve) and running back Rushawn Baker (waived due to injury).
