Dolphins receiver Preston Williams faces backlash after tweeting ‘just want opportunity'
Dolphins receiver Preston Williams is facing a social media backlash from fans after tweeting “just want opportunity” Monday night.
Williams followed those words with the hashtag “smh,” for shake my head.
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Many fans responded by saying Williams has had his chances in three previous NFL seasons. Some criticized him for apparently taking his grievances — assuming they are directed at the team — public instead of privately sitting down with coach Mike McDaniel.
Asked about it Tuesday, McDaniel indicated he wasn't about to sweat out what a player posts on social media.
But when Williams was approached by reporters, he said "maybe" McDaniel was mad when he initially learned of the tweet.
Either way, Williams said he was eager for an opportunity to show what he can do after slimming down to his rookie weight of 210 this offseason. Williams said during OTAs, he told McDaniel he just wanted a chance.
"He said, 'You'll get your opportunity,' so I just want to make him a man of his word," Williams said.
Williams said he has not requested a trade.
Williams, 25, arrived as a find by the Dolphins after going undrafted out of Colorado State in 2019. Despite impressive size (6-feet-5) and talent (he challenged the team’s rookie receiving record at one point), his career has been marred by injuries.
Williams has played only eight games each of his three NFL seasons and his statistics have dwindled each year after catching 32 passes for 428 yards in half a season as a rookie. He had 288 receiving yards the next season and only 71 yards on six catches in 2021.
The Dolphins signed him to a one-year, $1.5 million contract for 2022.
just want opportunity. #smh
— Preston Williams (@Thresort) August 1, 2022
Typical of the responses — including from fans who say they support Williams — was a Twitter user who wrote, “I agree you should get your fair shot but going on social media asking for it instead of going up to your coaches and talking about or showing that you’ve earned your stripes instead it makes you look like a whiner, it sounds like you’re getting lapped by more talented players.”
Wrote another: “You’ve been with the team for how long? What other opportunities do you need? Have you gone the extra mile to seize that opportunity? The NFL is not for anyone. You just need to open your eyes put on the extra hours. You have the talent!”
One fan was more blunt:
“Keep tweeting like this and your next opportunity will be at a car dealership.”
Hal Habib covers the Dolphins for The Post. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: ‘Just want opportunity,' Dolphins receiver Preston Williams tweets
