Eagles release former 1st-round pick Bernard Williams 29 years after he played a game – NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Eagles made a surprising move on Thursday by releasing a former first-round draft pick.

This particular pick, Bernard Williams, hadn’t taken the field in nearly three decades after a troubled start to his career with the team.

Following a standout rookie year in 1994, Williams faced suspensions for substance use. His career was over before it truly began, leaving him on the NFL’s suspended list.

The Eagles formally waived Williams after his name surfaced during a league-wide clearing of old reserve lists. After the initial suspension, Williams never played another NFL down and remained in limbo on the Eagles’ reserve list for years.

Eagles officials had not been aware that Williams was still technically a part of the team, as his presence had no impact on the roster or the team’s financial obligations.

Williams’ career began with much promise, but off-field issues derailed his chances of ever playing in the NFL again.

Despite the setback, the Eagles embraced early draft success with other picks and even prepared for Williams’ absence by selecting another player in the 1995 draft. Williams later went on to various other leagues, but never found NFL success again.

The release of Williams marks a significant low for the Eagles, as no other first-round pick has played fewer games in the team’s history. Williams remained suspended and forgotten, his potential unfulfilled.

With this move, Williams, now 51, may be claimed by another team should they wish to do so.

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