Member of Michigan’s undefeated national championship team as a true freshman and the team’s starting nickel back.
Selected by the New York Giants in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft.
A decade of professional football as an NFL defensive back.
Will James began his college football career at the University of Michigan, where he played as William Peterson. As a true freshman in 1997, he earned the role of starting nickel back on Michigan’s undefeated national championship team.
During that championship season, James also started at cornerback against Iowa and in the Rose Bowl against Washington State, helping the Wolverines complete a perfect season and secure the 1997 national championship.
As a sophomore, his role in Michigan’s secondary continued to grow. James became a full-time starter and co-led the Wolverines with four interceptions, establishing himself as one of the defense’s top playmakers in the secondary.
He later continued his college career at Western Illinois, where he further established himself as an NFL prospect. In the 2001 NFL Draft, James became the first Division I-AA player selected in the 2001 NFL Draft when the New York Giants chose him 78th overall in the third round.
That selection marked the beginning of a 10-year NFL career, taking James from national champion at Michigan to the first player off the board from the Division I-AA ranks and ultimately to a decade in professional football.
Will James built a decade-long career as a defensive back in the National Football League. After beginning his college career at the University of Michigan and later playing at Western Illinois, he entered the NFL in 2001 when the New York Giants selected him 78th overall in the third round of the NFL Draft.
Known as Will Peterson during the earlier years of his professional career, he later played under the name William James. Today, he is known as Will James. His professional football career became the foundation for a life shaped by competition, discipline, leadership and service.
2001
Drafted by the New York Giants
10-YEAR NFL CAREER
10 seasons as a professional defensive back
PLAYING NAME
Will Peterson → William James → Will James
Those who followed his early NFL career may remember Will James as Will Peterson. Historical football databases and media coverage may also list him as William James. Will Peterson, William James, and Will James all refer to the same former NFL cornerback.
TribLIVE profiled Will James for his post-NFL service and community impact in Fayette County, highlighting his work with underserved youth and his transition from professional football into community leadership.
READ THE TRIBLIVE STORYA community story tracing Will James' journey from Brownsville, Pennsylvania to a 10-year NFL career and back home.
READ THE COMMUNITY STORYA December 2022 Herald-Standard / Pennsylvania Capital-Star feature on William James, a Brownsville native and former NFL player, and his work expanding opportunities for local students through Verticals Community Learning Center.
READ THE VERTICALS STORYA New York Post profile of Will James during his New York Giants years, when he was known professionally as Will Peterson.
READ THE NY POST STORYWill James is a former NFL cornerback and 10-year professional football veteran from Brownsville, Pennsylvania. His journey took him from the University of Michigan's 1997 national championship team to a decade competing at the highest level of professional football.
But his story extends beyond the game.
Following his NFL career, James turned his attention toward creating opportunities for others, particularly underserved youth in Fayette County. His community work has included initiatives centered on education, personal development, and helping young people build a foundation for their futures.
His contributions beyond football have been recognized through community honors and media coverage, including a feature in TribLIVE highlighting his service in Fayette County.
From championship football to community leadership, Will's journey reflects a life shaped by perseverance, discipline, and purpose.
