Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams had one of the best player performances of the 2022 NFL regular season Sunday during the game against the Green Bay Packers.
Williams was the starting running back for the Lions, and though they were knocked out of playoff contention on Sunday, Detroit was out of the gate looking to prevent the Packers from reaching the postseason.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams, #30, scores on a touchdown run during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, January 8, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
(AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
To start the game, Williams introduced himself.
“Swag kazekage, leader of the hidden lair village,” he said at the introductions in an apparent reference to the famous Japanese manga series “Naruto.”
The veteran running back went viral in the days leading up to a Packers game when he made sure a reporter knew how to pronounce “Pokémon” correctly.
PACKERS’ QUAY WALKER PUSHES LIONS COACHING STAFF MEMBER, GETS EJECTED FROM GAME
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams celebrates after scoring during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, January 8, 2023, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
(AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Williams finished the game with 16 carries for 72 yards and two touchdowns. His two touchdowns gave him 16 on the season and one more than Barry Sanders for the most in a single season by a Lions player.
His play helped Detroit beat Green Bay 20-16 and knock the Packers out of playoff contention.
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams, #30, celebrates after scoring as teammate Taylor Decker, #68, looks on during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, January 8, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
(AP Photo/Morry Gash)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Lions narrowly missed the playoffs, but they won nine games for the first time since 2017. If it weren’t for some close losses early in the season, the Lions would have been in the postseason as well. The team hasn’t won double-digit games since the 2014 season.