FAYETTEVILLE — The strong opinion is Rawleigh Williams never should play football again.
That opinion comes from doctors, lawyers, CPAs, and a host of friends and strangers.
Williams is going through his second set of neck issues, and it was truly amazing that he came back after the first one when he was strapped to a gurney and carried off the field during his freshman season in 2015 in a game against Auburn.
Williams had surgery and was cleared to play, but even before last season — when he led the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville in rushing with 1,360 yards — he admitted it took a second medical opinion before he and his parents decided to give football another chance.
Williams was carted off the field again during the final spring practice Saturday, after what was practically incidental contact with McTelvin Agim.
Like the first time, he lost feeling in his extremities before the feeling returned.
Giving up football would be a heartbreaking decision for Williams, but he has strong family support, and the Razorbacks would honor his scholarship and allow him to be a part of the team in any way possible.
The fact Coach Bret Bielema isn’t commenting doesn’t mean anything. He can’t because of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) laws, so the only news has come from two tweets from Williams — the first thanking everyone for their prayers and the second quoting Leonard Fournette, the former LSU running back who was injured much of last season, about how dark times teach people to be thankful.
Williams, like Fournette, is a spiritual guy who seems grounded.
With his family leading the way, he’ll make the right decision for his future.