When a running back rushes for 1,201 yards, scores 11 touchdowns and helps transformed an offense, most would expect that player to receive widespread recognition.
Javonte Williams hasn’t.
Despite producing one of the best seasons of his career in 2025, the Dallas Cowboys running back was left outside ESPN’s top 10 running back rankings entering 2026. Instead of taking it personally, Williams embraced the slight as extra motivation, making it clear that he still believes he has plenty left to prove. That mindset could be exactly what Dallas needs as it looks to return to playoff contention this season.
A career revival in Dallas
Williams arrived in Dallas last offseason with plenty of questions surrounding his future after injuries and inconsistent production ended his tenure with the Denver Broncos. The Cowboys took a chance on the former second-round pick with a modest one-year contract, hoping he could stabilize a running game that has been lacking as of late.
He delivered far more than expected.
Williams rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 4.8 yards per carry, giving Dallas its first true workhorse in years. His physical running style, ability to break tackles and reliability in pass protection, not to mention is top-15 81.7 PFF grade, made him one of the offense’s most valuable players, earning him a three-year contract extension during the offseason.
Still playing with something to prove
Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Despite his breakout season, Williams doesn’t believe he’s arrived.
“I’ve still got a lot more to prove,” Williams recently said when discussing his approach entering 2026. Rather than focusing on individual accolades, he’s using last season as motivation to continue improving. That mentality has followed him throughout his career, and it remains one of the reasons Dallas believes his best football may still be ahead of him.
The lack of national recognition has only added fuel to the fire.
While several executives, coaches and scouts voted on the league’s top running backs, Williams was left outside the top 10 despite finishing among the NFL’s leading rushers in 2025. Whether fair or not, it’s another reminder that respect in the NFL is earned every season, not just once.
The Cowboys need another big season
Dallas isn’t asking Williams to carry the offense by himself, especially when you have CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, but they do need him to remain the engine of the running game.
A balanced rushing attack would take pressure off quarterback Dak Prescott while creating more opportunities for playmakers like Lamb and Pickens downfield along with tight end Jake Ferguson. Williams ability to grind out tough yards, extend drives and wear down opposing defenses gives the Cowboys an identity they lacked before his arrival.
The coaching staff is expected to mix in younger backs such as Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, but Williams remains the clear No. 1 option entering training camp.
