Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) scores a rushing touchdown during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Jamaal Williams is closing in on a prominent Barry Sanders record

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 11/22/22

For as good as Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams is at scoring touchdowns, he’s equally as bad at taking compliments.

The 27-year-old tailback admitted as much following Sunday’s 31-18 win over the New York Giants. But Williams may soon have a litany of compliments heading his way as he needs just five rushing touchdowns in Detroit’s final seven games to break Barry Sanders’ single-season record.

The only two players with 11+ Rush TD in a single season for Lions over last 40 years

Barry Sanders
Jamaal Williams pic.twitter.com/6ly7aPcyTC
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) November 20, 2022

“It’s a good milestone, but I’m not very good with compliments,” Williams said after Sunday’s win, via ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. “I don’t do well when people compliment me. I don’t really know what to say, so I say, ‘thank you’ and keep it pushing. But it never gets to my head because I know how much — I’ve still got a lot more to prove. …I’m just grateful for these because it’s not just me. This goes for the linemen too. My touchdowns are their touchdowns.”

Williams rushed for 64 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries against the Giants — his fifth multi-touchdown game of the year. His 12 rushing scores lead the NFL. The BYU alum is on pace to be the first running back with 20 touchdowns in a season since LaDainian Tomlinson had 28 in 2006.

Williams’ next rushing touchdown will move him into a tie with Billy Sims for the fifth-most single-season rushing touchdowns in Lions history. Sanders holds the record with 16 in 1991.

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