Madieu Williams

2004 was a great year for Sierra Leoneans in the NFL with Madieu Williams being drafted in the second round as the 56th overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals, ahead of fellow countryman Gibril Wilson who was picked later in the draft by the New York Giants. Madieu, originally from Freetown, Sierra Leone, moved to the US at the age of nine. He discovered American football and excelled in the sport. Standing out at Duval High School in Maryland and later at the University of Maryland, Madieu caught the attention of the Bengals, who drafted him into the NFL as the 56th overall pick in the second round.

Renowned for his strong work ethic, Madieu started all 16 games in his debut season with the Bengals. Following four successful seasons with the team, he signed a lucrative $33 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings. After three seasons with the Vikings, he briefly played for the 49ers before returning to his roots in the DMV area to join the Washington Redskins (now Washington Commanders) as their starting Free Safety, concluding his illustrious career in front of his hometown crowd. Madieu has been a passionate advocate for health, fitness, and nutrition through his Foundation. His impactful work led to him receiving the NFL's Walter Payton Award for Community Service in 2010. He has also established a school in Sierra Leone, supported through his Foundation.