DeAngelo Williams Shares Release Letter From Carolina Panthers He Uses As Motivation

At 32 years old, Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams had one of the best statistical campaigns of his 10-year career in 2015. Williams wasn’t expected to play a huge role in the Steelers’ offense after LeVeon Bell‘s two-game suspension to start the season ended. But Bell ultimately got hurt and played in just six games, rendering Williams the starter in the Steel City.

Williams finished with 907 yards and 11 TDs (tied for most in NFL) on the ground, along with 40 receptions for 367 yards in the pass attack. Plain and simple — Williams exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Except for his own, of course.

Williams’ time with the Carolina Panthers didn’t well. He played in just six games in 2014 due to injuries, and Jonathan Stewart — who hadn’t exactly been running roughshod over the league in recent years — became the Panthers’ clear-cut feature back. Stewart’s issues had always been injury-related, and he was finally healthy. Thus, Williams became expendable.

On March 10, 2015, Carolina officially released Williams. On Monday, Williams took to Twitter to share the letter he received from the franchise just under a year ago, which he apparently uses for motivation.

I am driven from within, but walking by this every morning absolutely adds fuel to the fire! #MotivationMonday pic.twitter.com/SQu8SiaN4Y

— DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) February 15, 2016

The box that was checked as the reason for his release reads as follows:

In the judgement of the Club, your skill or performance has been unsatisfactory as compared with that of other players competing for positions on the Club’s roster.

In fairness to the Panthers since that sounds pretty darn harsh, they are only given a few options by the league on the form. And none of them are written in a manner that is incredibly positive.

Williams will be 33 years old by the time the 2016 campaign begins. With Bell expected to be healthy next season, Williams’ role with the Steelers will undoubtedly be reduced. However, you better believe he will prepared and motivated for the opportunities he receives.