Rhode Island FC Acquires JJ Williams
Former MLS striker joins RIFC from Tampa Bay
Rhode Island FC held a public event to reveal their home and away kits for their inaugural 2024 season on Monday evening. Not only did they show off what they’ll be wearing next year, but RIFC also announced another person wearing them.
JJ Williams was in-person at the event and was announced as the newest member of RIFC following a transfer from the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
“It is an incredible feeling to join Rhode Island FC on such an exciting day for the club. Meeting Rhode Island FC fans tonight at the kit reveal made me even more excited to start working alongside my Rhode Island FC teammates to make our inaugural season one that all of Rhode Island can be proud of, ” said Williams.
The 25-year-old forward is a former Generation Adidas player out of the University of Kentucky who was selected with the 18th pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft by Columbus Crew.
While he also made appearances for Columbus Crew, Atlanta United, and Atlanta United 2, Williams spent the majority of the 2019 and 2020 seasons on loan with Birmingham Legion before officially signing with the Legion in 2021. In total Williams scored 12 goals across 52 appearances in his time in Birmingham.
Following a 2022 season split between FC Tulsa and Phoenix Rising with a combined 12 goals, Williams matched his career-high goal tally with 12 goals - while adding 8 assists - in Tampa Bay in 2023.
Now Williams is joining his sixth USL team for the 2024 season, bringing a lethal goal scorer to New England.
“JJ has showcased throughout his time in the USL Championship that he is capable of scoring goals in key moments, making him a valuable addition to our growing roster,” said Khano Smith, head coach and general manager of Rhode Island FC. “JJ is a goal threat whenever he is on the pitch and will provide a point of reference for our attack.”
Per Rhode Island FC’s press release, Williams is joining Rhode Island FC on a multi-year deal. Terms of the transfer were not disclosed.