A native of Richlands, North Carolina, Mario Williams was born on New Year's Eve, January 31, 1985. Currently playing the position of defensive end for the NFL's Houston Texans, Williams stands 6'7" and weighs just under 300 pounds.

Like many NFL superstars, Mario Williams got plenty of field time as a youngster. While attending North Carolina State from 2003 until 2005, Williams gained experience as a defensive end. Recruited out of Richlands High School, Mario Williams did not disappoint. He started in each of his three college seasons, recorded 175 tackles and 25 sacks.

One year after college, during the 2006 NFL draft, Mario Williams was chosen by the Houston Texans in a deal that would last for six years and one which is said to be worth $54 million to the North Carolina native. On Saturday, April 29, 2006, Williams was chosen as the # 1 overall draft pick. After much speculation that Houston would select Reggie Bush or Vince Young, all of that guessing ended when Mario Williams came on board as the team's new defensive end for the 2006 season.

Some reports have indicated that $26 million is guaranteed and, providing Mario Williams achieves the performance goals as stated in the contract, the total payout could total more than $60 million after all is said and done. As the new 2006 NFL season approaches, the Houston Texans will be eager to see if their newest recruit will continue his powerful plays on the field. Friends and family from North Carolina will be equally anxious to watch as Mario Williams continues to live the dream of playing professional football in the NFL.