Born: October 4, 1996- Jacksonville, Florida
Entering 2026:  Years as a Lion: 2nd  Years in CFL: 4th   Status: American
Career Games: 45  Playoffs: 2   Grey Cup: 0

Acquired:

Deontai was signed as a free agent by the Lions on February 11, 2025.

Highlights:

2025: The hard-hitting Williams proved to be a valuable addition to the defence, as he suited up in all 18 regular season games for the first time as a pro and recorded career-highs in tackles (73) and sacks (three). Deontai scored the first defensive touchdown of his career on a strip-sack and fumble recovery that came in a win over Ottawa in week 15. In two Grey Cup Playoff appearances, Deontai had 12 defensive tackles and one pass breakup. His eight defensive tackles in the Western Semi-Final win over Calgary were a team-high.

2023-24: Deontai moved north to the Saskatchewan Roughriders and saw action in 27 games over two seasons while recording 90 defensive tackles, six special teams stops, three interceptions, one fumble recovery and a forced fumble. The 2024 campaign saw Williams record an interception in two straight games: July 4 vs. Toronto and July 13 at BC.

2022: Deontai signed with the Seattle Seahawks as a non-drafted free agent and recorded seven tackles in three pre-season appearances.

College:

2018-21: In 29 games over four seasons with the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Deontai recorded 122 defensive tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, six interceptions, 15 pass knockdowns, three forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries with one being returned for a major. He earned All-Big Ten Honourable mentions in 2020 and 2021.