Mario Williams – “I truly believe that I have far more to contribute, including helping the disadvantaged children and future football heroes of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.”
via Rantsports.com
American Football star Mario Williams of the Buffalo Bills has agreed to buy the Bangalore Warhawks franchise of the Elite Football League of India (EFLI). The initial report from the league included no details on the financial terms of the deal. Mario released this statement on the purchase.
“Despite my achievements as a collegiate and professional athlete, I truly believe that I have far more to contribute, including helping the disadvantaged children and future football heroes of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to work one-on-one with these kids and offer them hope for a brighter future. I anxiously look forward to my visit to India and spending real time on the field with them. The fans are going to love the fast sports action they see on the field.”
Mario was drafted by the Houston Texans after playing college football for North Carolina State University. Williams was selected first overall by the Houston Texans in the 2006 NFL Draft and has been a three-time Pro Bowl selection. He is the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL when he signed a six year, $96 million contract, $50 million of which was guaranteed.
The EFLI, or Elite Football League of India (EFLI) is a professional American football league based in India. Founded in 2011, the league is currently contested between eight franchises, six of which are based in India while the other two are currently based in Pakistan and Sri Lanka respectively. The inaugural season of the Elite Football League of India was the 2012–13 season which was won by the Pune Marathas after defeating the Delhi Defenders 6–0 in the Elite Bowl.
This is not the first American Football star to invest in the league. Brandon Chillar an Indian American linebacker from the Super Bowl-winning Green Bay Packers, Super Bowl-winning head coach Mike Ditka, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, and former NFL quarterbacks Ron Jaworski and Kurt Warner are all investors in the league.
The addition of Williams continues to show the growing confidence in the success of the American Football in India!
