Larry Williams, a former star offensive lineman for Notre Dame and veteran of five NFL seasons, died suddenly Thursday morning. He was 62.
According to journalist John Canzano on Twitter/X, Williams experienced a fatal “heart-related incident” while working out on the campus of the University of San Francisco, where he worked as the school’s athletic director the last three years.
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A native of Orange, California, Williams was a two-time All-American football player at the University of Notre Dame. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns out of Notre Dame, he saw action in five NFL seasons (1986-92), including stints with the Browns (1986-88), New Orleans Saints (1991) and the New England Patriots (1992).
While he was competing in the NFL, Williams earned a law degree from the University of San Diego. Williams held the AD title at the University of Portland, Marquette University, and, the University of Akron before moving to USF in 2022.
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According to his biography on the USF website, Williams practiced law for the Indianapolis-based law firm of Baker & Daniels after he retired from football in 1993. He returned to Notre Dame in 1999 to work on licensing and product marketing, then began his career as an athletic director when he joined Portland in 2004.
While at Notre Dame, Williams was chosen an All-American by Football news in 1983, and by UPI in 1984.
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Williams played 61 games in the NFL, starting 44. He retired with one fumble recovery, in 1988, when he started 14 games for the Browns. Williams signed with the San Diego Chargers in 1989 but did not play that season or the next due to injuries.
Stephanie Shrieve-Hawkins, USF’s deputy athletics director for administration and facilities since August 2024, was named interim athletic director by the school.
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Williams is survived by his wife, Laura, their children, Kristin, Sean, Scott, Eric and Louis, and his grandchildren.
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