Larry Williams, a former NFL offensive lineman who served as athletic director at the University of San Francisco, died on Thursday, October 16, 2025, while working out at the school’s War Memorial Gym. He was 62 years old.
University President Salvador D. Aceves announced Williams’ death in a letter posted on the athletic department website, expressing sorrow over the sudden loss. Williams had been conducting his regular morning workout at the gym located in the Sobrato Center on the USF campus when he passed away.
Aceves described Williams as deeply devoted to his Catholic faith, noting that the athletic director viewed his work as more than just a profession. According to Aceves, “Grounded in his Catholic faith, Larry saw his work at USF as more than a profession — it was a calling which he devotedly lived out for others on a daily basis.” The president indicated that Williams began each day with contemplative prayer, Scripture reading, and reflection, allowing his belief in the harmony of faith, education, and athletics to shape his vision for the department.
Williams had served as USF’s athletic director since August 31, 2022, overseeing the university’s 250 student-athletes and all coaching staff. Upon his hiring, he expressed enthusiasm about the position, stating that USF represented an almost perfect combination of things he cherished: the Catholic identity, the deep educational mission, and athletic participation in an environment that specifically included both elements. He indicated that at that point in his career, there was almost a vocational element to his work at the institution.
Born in Orange County, California, Williams earned national recognition as a two-time All-American offensive lineman at the University of Notre Dame. He attended Mater Dei High School before heading to South Bend for his collegiate career.
The Cleveland Browns selected Williams in the 10th round, 259th overall, of the 1985 NFL Draft. He played guard and center for the Browns from 1986 to 1988, appearing in 42 games and starting 33 contests during his time with the franchise. After missing the 1989 and 1990 seasons due to injury, Williams returned to play six games with the New Orleans Saints in 1991. He concluded his NFL career with the New England Patriots in 1992, suiting up for 13 games with nine starts. Over his professional football career spanning from 1986 to 1992, Williams appeared in 61 regular-season games, starting 44 of them.
During his playing years, Williams demonstrated remarkable dedication to education by earning a law degree from the University of San Diego. Following his retirement from professional football in 1993, he practiced law at the firm of Baker and Daniels in Indianapolis. His commitment to both athletics and education would ultimately define his post-playing career.
Williams returned to Notre Dame in 1999 to work in licensing and product marketing before transitioning into athletic administration. He served as athletic director at three other NCAA Division I institutions before joining USF. His administrative career included positions at the University of Portland in Oregon beginning in 2004, followed by stints at Marquette University and the University of Akron, where he served from 2015 to 2022.
The Akron Zips athletic department posted on social media that it was deeply saddened by Williams’ unexpected death. The department extended love and support to the entire Williams family during the difficult time.
Williams is survived by his wife, Laura Lee, whom he met at Notre Dame, along with their five children: Kristin, Sean, Scott, Eric, and Louis. He also left behind grandchildren. Aceves extended prayers to the entire family, as well as to the student-athletes, coaches, and staff under Williams’ leadership at USF.
The university named Stephanie Shrieve-Hawkins, who had been serving as deputy athletics director for administration and facilities, as interim athletic director. Memorial services for Williams had not been announced at the time of the university’s statement.
Williams’ death marks the loss of a significant figure in both collegiate athletics administration and the NFL community, remembered for his dedication to integrating faith, education, and athletic excellence throughout his career.
