Ex-Cowboys RB Sherman Williams Earns Alabama Degree After Being in Jail 14 Years

Joseph Zucker @@JosephZuckerFeatured ColumnistMay 7, 2018

7 May 1998: Running back Sherman Williams of the Dallas Cowboys in action during Mini-Camp in Valley Ranch, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Former Dallas Cowboys running back Sherman Williams received his degree from the University of Alabama on Sunday, graduating after returning to the school in January 2017 following his release from federal prison.

According to the Tuscaloosa News' Tommy Deas, Williams went to prison in 2000 after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and passing counterfeit currency. He was released in 2014.

"My message to the kids is always work hard, hard work pays off, and anything you set your mind to do you can do it," Williams said of his journey. "Have passion at it, work hard at it, have the discipline and determination and it will come through for you."

Williams shared a picture from the graduation ceremony on Twitter:

Sherman Williams @crimsoncowboy20
Ready to begin my new journey as a graduate of the University of Alabama Spring 2018 class. The struggle is real but the hustle is golden. Thank God for his grace and mercy. #heartofachampion https://t.co/9m8XmsobLR

Williams spent four years at Alabama before the Cowboys selected him in the second round of the 1995 draft. He rushed for 1,162 yards and four touchdowns in 60 games for Dallas.

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Deas wrote Williams left Alabama in 1995 needing to log 26 more hours of coursework to complete his degree. His focus was on "interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in community leadership."