Overview

• Bernard Williams, a former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman, was officially released from the team's reserve/suspended list on November 16, 2023, despite not having played in the NFL since 1994.
• Williams was suspended in 1995 for marijuana use and never applied for reinstatement, causing his name to remain on the team's suspended list for nearly 30 years.
• Williams, who was selected with the 14th overall pick of the 1994 NFL draft, started in all 16 games as a rookie before his suspension.
• Despite his short career in the NFL, Williams played in the Canadian Football League, the Arena Football League, and the XFL.
• Williams, now 51, was surprised by his release and learned of it from a former player he coached in high school, who is now a scout for the Green Bay Packers.