Jamaal Williams. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Former Packers fan-favorite RB trying out for Bears

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Aug 9, 2025 2:29 PM ET

In 2024, the Green Bay Packers completely revamped their running back room, signing then-free agent Josh Jacobs to a four-year contract. Additionally, they drafted Marshawn Lloyd in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. AJ Dillon was brought back, too, though he suffered a season-ending neck injury in the preseason and did not play for the Packers again. He is now with the Philadelphia Eagles.

When Lloyd went down for most of the season with his plethora of injuries, it was former undrafted free agent Emanuel Wilson who filled the role as Jacobs’ backup, and he did a stellar job, rushing 103 times for 502 yards and four touchdowns.

Of course, these changes meant bidding farewell to fan-favorite Aaron Jones, who signed with the Minnesota Vikings last offseason. It was just one more move in Green Bay’s long history of making sure it has fresh legs in the backfield, no matter how popular a particular running back might be.

Former Green Bay Packers running back Jamaal Williams tried out for the Chicago Bears

Green Bay Packers running backs Jamaal Williams (left) and Aaron Jones.

The revival of Green Bay’s running back room started back in 2020 when it selected AJ Dillon with their second round pick. After spending his rookie season as the Packers’ third running back behind Jones and Jamaal Williams, he became the primary backup after Williams was allowed to walk in free agency.

And as beloved as Dillon was (and is) by Packers fans, the love they had for Williams was on a whole different level. His personality, hilarious interviews, and on-field celebrations endeared him to the fanbase, who still held him in high regard after he signed with the Detroit Lions.

Williams went on to be a big part of Detroit’s renaissance, leading the NFL with 17 touchdowns in 2022, his second season with the team. But following that season, the Lions opted not to bring Williams back, and he signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints.

Unfortunately, the last two seasons in New Orleans have not been kind to Williams. He did not get the same kind of opportunities to be successful as he did in Detroit and was playing on a far worse team. After rushing for just 164 yards total in 2024, he was released earlier in this offseason.

And while he remains unsigned, Williams is still drawing interest from NFL teams. Earlier Saturday, it was reported he tried out with the Chicago Bears.

Former Lions running back Jamaal Williams worked out today for the Chicago Bears.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 9, 2025

Seeing Williams go to a team like Chicago would obviously sting a bit, but, as mentioned, he is so endeared to Packers fans that they would root for his success no matter what team he played for.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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