Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, March 31, 1990 TAG: 9003310021
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Williams, 34, was let go barely two years after becoming the first black quarterback to start in a Super Bowl. He was named the game's MVP after throwing for a then-record 340 yards and four touchdowns in Washington's 42-10 victory over the Denver Broncos. Both marks were eclipsed this year by San Francisco's Joe Montana.
But Williams' playing time was limited in 1988 because of an appendicitis. In 1989, he started only two games after suffering a back injury in the off-season. He ultimately lost his starting job to 27-year-old Mark Rypien and slipped behind 24-year-old Stan Humphries on Washington's depth chart.
The Redskins did not include Williams among their 37 protected players, and coach Joe Gibbs decided to release Williams after meeting with him Friday.
"Having made the decision to go with the young quarterbacks, we did not think it would be fair to anyone to put Doug, who has accomplished so much for the Redskins, in the role of a third-string quarterback," Gibbs said.
Williams' agent, Brig Owens, said his client "definitely is not going to retire."
"There are a couple of teams we've been talking to, although I don't want to mention which ones. We're just going to wait and see how things are going to unfold," Owens said.
He said that his client said Friday that he enjoyed his four years in Washington.
Williams was Tampa Bay's first-round draft choice in 1978 out of Grambling State. He led the Buccaneers to the NFL playoffs in his second season. But he said he never felt appreciated in Florida - because he was black - and opted to join the U.S. Football League in 1983.
After that league folded in 1986, the Redskins were the only NFL team that showed an interest in Williams.
He threw one pass in his initial season in Washington. In 1987, however, he took the job from Jay Schroeder and led the Redskins to a world championship. He was hailed as a hero by the city and was rewarded with a new contract by team owner Jack Kent Cooke.
But, three games into the 1988 season he suffered an attack of appendicitis and missed four games, giving Rypien a chance to play.
Although Williams regained the starting job, he never again had a strong hold on it. Rypien, given an unexpected opportunity, proved he could play in the NFL after spending two years on the bench.
Williams still was Gibbs' starter at the end of the 1988 season, but twisted his back during an off-season workout on a treadmill, and didn't come back until Rypien had started the first eight games of 1989.
Williams returned to the starting lineup against Dallas on Nov. 5, but looked rusty as the Redskins were held to three points in the Cowboys' only victory of the season.
He started only one more game for the Redskins and saw spot duty in one game.
"The four years with Doug have been good for me and the Redskins," Gibbs said. "We hope the future holds the best for Doug."
Williams was not available for comment.
by CNB