Understanding the Profile and Age of Kevin Williams

As of 2026, the most prominent figure commonly searched under the name "Kevin Williams" is the former American professional football player, Kevin Williams, who played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen seasons. Born on August 17, 1980, Kevin Williams is 46 years old. Because the name is relatively common, it is important to distinguish this athlete from other professionals, academics, or private citizens who share the same name.

Identifying the Prominent Kevin Williams

When users search for "how old is Kevin Williams," the query most frequently targets the former NFL standout. His high-profile career, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings, solidified his place in sports history, making him the primary subject for biographical inquiries.

Kevin Williams was born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. His professional journey began after a successful collegiate career at Oklahoma State University, where he earned All-Big 12 honors. His transition to the NFL in 2003 marked the beginning of a decorated career defined by his defensive prowess. Understanding his age is often a matter of context regarding his career timeline: he entered the league as a 23-year-old rookie and concluded his playing days in 2015, which provides the historical framework for his professional achievements and his subsequent life after football.

Biographical Context and Career Timeline

Kevin Williams was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the ninth overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft. During his tenure with the Vikings (2003–2013), he became known for his exceptional quickness and strength, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and being named to the NFL All-Pro First Team five times. These accolades place him among the most impactful defensive linemen of the 2000s.

After his long-standing tenure in Minnesota, Williams spent his final two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks (2014) and the New Orleans Saints (2015). By the time he retired, he had played in 203 regular-season games. Given that he was born in 1980, his retirement at age 35 aligns with the typical longevity expectations for an NFL defensive tackle, a position that demands significant physical durability and recovery.

Distinguishing Namesakes

The name Kevin Williams is shared by several notable individuals. If the search intent is not related to the former NFL defensive tackle, the user might be referring to one of the following:

• Kevin Williams (Musician): A well-known pianist and songwriter in the Southern Gospel music genre, frequently associated with the Gaither Vocal Band. His birth date is December 18, 1957, making him 68 years old in 2026.
• Academic and Professional Figures: There are various professors, researchers, and local officials named Kevin Williams across different regions. In legal or academic research, verifying the specific middle initial or professional affiliation is crucial for accuracy.

When conducting a search, narrowing the field by adding professional context (e.g., "Kevin Williams NFL" or "Kevin Williams gospel pianist") is the most effective way to avoid ambiguity.

Historical Perspective on Age and Performance

Analyzing the age of a professional athlete provides insight into the "prime" years of a career. For defensive linemen like Williams, the age range of 25 to 30 is typically considered the peak of athletic output. Kevin Williams entered this window of peak performance during his early years with the Vikings. His ability to maintain a high level of play into his mid-30s is often highlighted in sports analytics as a testament to his conditioning and specialized role on the defensive line.

The table below summarizes the age context for the most recognized public figures named Kevin Williams as of 2026.

Why Age Inquiries Matter

Age inquiries are a common component of biographical research. For fans of professional sports, age serves as a marker to understand the historical era in which a player competed. By placing Kevin Williams in the context of the early 2000s to the mid-2010s, researchers can better understand the evolution of defensive strategies, the shift in NFL scouting priorities, and the general landscape of professional football during that timeframe.

Furthermore, in the context of celebrity and public figure profiles, age is a primary data point for verification. It helps fans confirm that the individual they are following is indeed the person they expect, especially when a name is common.

Verifying Information Sources

To ensure the accuracy of these details, it is best to rely on primary sports databases and historical archives. For the NFL player:

1. NFL Official Records: The official NFL league database provides exact birth dates for all players who have passed through the draft.
2. Sports Reference Databases: Platforms like Pro-Football-Reference.com aggregate career statistics and biographical data, allowing for precise cross-referencing of birth dates and professional milestones.
3. Biographical Indexes: For non-athletes, institutional websites or official public records are the appropriate sources to confirm biographical data.

When conducting any research on individuals, avoid relying on social media rumors or unverified fan forums, as these often contain placeholder dates or incorrect estimations regarding the age of public figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Kevin Williams who played for the Vikings still active in the NFL? No, Kevin Williams retired from the NFL following the 2015 season. He is no longer an active player.

Where was Kevin Williams born? The former NFL defensive tackle was born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, in 1980.

How many seasons did Kevin Williams play in the NFL? He played for 13 seasons, starting in 2003 and concluding his career in 2015.

Are there other famous people named Kevin Williams? Yes, there is a prominent gospel pianist named Kevin Williams, born in 1957, who is widely known for his work with the Gaither Vocal Band.

How do I confirm the identity of a specific Kevin Williams? Always check for middle initials, professional designations (such as "NFL," "Musician," or "Professor"), and the specific organizations or institutions they are associated with.

Next Steps for Research

If your goal is to find information about a specific Kevin Williams who is not a public figure, you may need to consult professional directories, LinkedIn profiles, or local government databases. If you are researching the athlete for a project or article, cross-reference his career stats on official sports record-keeping sites to ensure your data remains consistent with verified historical records. When discussing public figures, ensure you are utilizing the most recent birth date verification to maintain accuracy in your work.