| A native of Richlands, North Carolina, Mario Williams | | | | pick. After much speculation that Houston would |
| was born on New Year's Eve, January 31, 1985. | | | | select Reggie Bush or Vince Young, all of that |
| Currently playing the position of defensive end for | | | | guessing ended when Mario Williams came on board |
| the NFL's Houston Texans, Williams stands 6'7" and | | | | as the team's new defensive end for the 2006 |
| weighs just under 300 pounds.Like many NFL | | | | season.Some reports have indicated that $26 million is |
| superstars, Mario Williams got plenty of field time as | | | | guaranteed and, providing Mario Williams achieves the |
| a youngster. While attending North Carolina State | | | | performance goals as stated in the contract, the |
| from 2003 until 2005, Williams gained experience as a | | | | total payout could total more than $60 million after all |
| defensive end. Recruited out of Richlands High | | | | is said and done. As the new 2006 NFL season |
| School, Mario Williams did not disappoint. He started in | | | | approaches, the Houston Texans will be eager to see |
| each of his three college seasons, recorded 175 | | | | if their newest recruit will continue his powerful plays |
| tackles and 25 sacks.One year after college, during | | | | on the field. Friends and family from North Carolina will |
| the 2006 NFL draft, Mario Williams was chosen by | | | | be equally anxious to watch as Mario Williams |
| the Houston Texans in a deal that would last for six | | | | continues to live the dream of playing professional |
| years and one which is said to be worth $54 million | | | | football in the NFL.Bob writes for and Where you can |
| to the North Carolina native. On Saturday, April 29, | | | | purchase a Mario Williams Jersey or Texans Tickets. |
| 2006, Williams was chosen as the # 1 overall draft | | | | |