A concerning pattern is emerging in professional sports, with reports revealing a rise in burglaries targeting the homes of star athletes. The latest victim is Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, whose house was robbed while his team played in Dallas on Monday. Other NFL stars, including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, have also fallen prey to similar crimes.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams stated that the players have been informed about the situation and are prioritizing their safety. “Yeah, I think our guy sent out a message to us, ‘Just be safe, it’s that time of the year,'” Williams said. “Just be safe and take care of yourself.”
The New York Times reports that the FBI is investigating whether these burglaries are part of a coordinated effort targeting athletes. The NFL is said to have issued a memo on November 20, warning that the burglaries are specifically targeting professional athletes on gamedays.
Williams addressed the unsettling nature of the recent incidents on Thursday, urging athletes to remain cautious. “Yeah, you know, cause some people just don’t have respect or things like that for people who do stuff for their city,” Williams said. “It’s kind of weird, so you’ve just always got to watch your surroundings and be safe at all times.”
Burrow also commented on the situation Wednesday, expressing that the incident had violated his privacy.
“So, obviously, everyone knows what happened. I feel like my privacy has been breached in multiple ways, and far more has been exposed than I would have liked or feel comfortable sharing. That’s all I have to say about it,” Burrow told local reporters. “We live in the public eye, and one of the hardest parts of that is the lack of privacy. It’s been a challenge for me throughout my career. I’m still learning how to handle it. But, I know it comes with the territory. That doesn’t make it any easier to cope with.”
Williams’ genuine passion and love for the game have made him popular with both his teammates and coaches. In particular, he has built a strong bond with special teams coordinator Dave Fipp.
On Thursday, Fipp shared that his admiration for Williams has grown from watching the young player develop and navigate the challenges he’s faced since joining the league. “I know Jamo is a guy who played at Alabama and sacrificed his own role for the team’s benefit, contributing on special teams when he didn’t have to. A lot of that is thanks to (former Alabama Head Coach) Nick Saban’s influence, but it’s also part of their culture,” Fipp said. “He’s a competitor who loves to play, and he’s not much different from the rest of us, or at least from myself. He’s had his share of ups and downs and probably made some missteps, but you end up rooting for players like him to find their way, mature, and use the game as a path to opportunities they might not have had otherwise.” Fipp also values Williams’ passion for the game, which is evident during practices and games.
“It’s really been about watching him grow, mature, and learn from his mistakes,” Fipp said. “The game has given him the chance to do that, and I love the way he approaches it. His passion for the game shows in his practice habits—how fast he practices, how quickly he plays in games, and even his eagerness to return punts. That’s what defines my relationship with him.”
Regarding Alabama’s chances for the College Football Playoff, Williams stated that despite their 9-3 record, he believes Alabama deserves a spot. With a win over No. 2 Georgia and a strong schedule, he felt the Crimson Tide’s overall strength should have been enough to secure a bid.
“I don’t really want to talk about it, but we should be in the playoffs,” Williams said. “We’ve beaten teams that are in the playoffs, so why aren’t we in? It’s kind of like the NFL—win your division and you get in. We’ll be back next year, we’re not too concerned about it.”
On the topic of college football, Williams also shared his thoughts on Michigan’s addition of five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood. Having watched Underwood play, Williams believes he will fit well with the Wolverines.
“I think he’s a really good kid. I watched him last year when he played at Cass Tech, and I was at what I think was the biggest game in the state,” Williams recalled. “He’s an excellent passer. I love his game. He’s from Detroit, and it’s tough to play there. I didn’t catch him this year, but I’ve seen his highlights on Instagram and watched his film. He’s a great addition to the offense, and I think he can really take them far.”