As women continue to break barriers in professional sports, one name rising through the ranks in the NFL is Valeria Williams.
The Vice President and General Counsel for the Tennessee Titans, Williams has carved out a unique path in an industry traditionally dominated by men. From navigating legal hurdles to mentoring the next generation of women leaders, she is shaping the NFL’s future both on and off the field. Her story is one of determination, growth, and unyielding ambition.
A Career Built on Bold Moves
Valeria Williams’ journey to the NFL was anything but traditional. She credits much of her success to a series of bold moves and an openness to new opportunities. “I always tell people my career has been a lot of trial and error, a lot of pivoting,” Williams shares. “In 2018, while I was living in New York City, I got a call after church from a contact at the NFL. They were opening a position in compliance, and I applied. That was my entry into football.”
Her first role at the NFL involved labor arbitration, followed by a transition to a compliance role just two years later. For Williams, it was all about seizing the moment and embracing whatever came her way. “It’s important to have the courage to see if it works out. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t—but you always move forward,” she explains.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
The Challenge of Transitioning from League to Team
One of the more striking aspects of Williams’ career has been her shift from working in the NFL’s league office to taking on a critical role with the Tennessee Titans. While the league office operates from a governing standpoint, ensuring compliance with league rules, her role with the Titans required a dramatic shift in mindset. “Working for a team is completely different,” she says. “When you’re with the league, you’re focused on what teams can and can’t do. But with a team, you’re focused on driving revenue, winning games, and providing entertainment to the fans.”
For Williams, adjusting to her role with the Titans was a challenge in itself. She recalls a steep learning curve, especially considering her previous job involved issuing fines to players for violating league policies. “I had to take off my governing hat and put on my team-player hat,” she reflects. “It almost took a whole season to adjust.”
Rising to the Role of Vice President & General Counsel
After her promotion from associate general counsel, Williams has stepped into a broader role with expanded responsibilities. As Vice President and General Counsel, she is now a key figure overseeing the legal department, which supports more than 20 teams, departments, and the Titans’ stadium initiatives. “My role involves advising on everything from contracts to legal risk management,” she says. “But it’s also about balancing my responsibilities as a business advisor. I’m here to help departments meet their business objectives while navigating legal challenges.”
One of Williams’ significant contributions has been overseeing the development of the Titans’ new stadium. While the stadium project began before she joined the team in 2018, she has been instrumental in managing the legal agreements and ensuring the project stays on track. “A lot goes on behind the scenes. I negotiate agreements for construction workers, consultants, and vendors to ensure we stay on schedule for completion in 2027,” she explains.
The Dual Role of Legal and Business Advisor
Williams finds that one of the most exciting and challenging aspects of her job is balancing her role as both a legal advisor and a business partner. “The challenge is being seen as more than just a lawyer,” she says. “People often think that lawyers will block deals or kill creative ideas, but my role is to help the organization move forward, not hold it back.”
To be successful in this dual role, Williams has had to learn the ins and outs of the Titans’ operations, understanding the work and goals of each department so she can offer tailored legal and business guidance. “It’s not just about law—it’s about having the influence to help shape the decisions that drive our team forward,” she adds.
First Memorable Moments with the Titans
In her first season with the Titans, Williams had several memorable experiences, many of which showcased the diverse aspects of her legal role. “We used a song by Three 6 Mafia for our player introductions, and I worked on securing the licensing for that,” she recalls. “It was a fun moment for me to be a part of something so unique. That same year, the Titans mascot, T-Rac, got an opportunity with HGTV, and I worked on the location agreement for that, which was completely unexpected.”
These early experiences highlighted the wide range of legal work Williams would take on, from licensing to location agreements, underscoring her versatile role within the organization.
The Power of Mentorship
Throughout her career, mentorship has played a pivotal role in Williams’ development. She acknowledges a diverse group of mentors, from seasoned professionals with decades of experience to newer colleagues who bring fresh perspectives. “Having a broad group of mentors has helped me gain insight into different approaches to challenges. Their stories have made me more rational about my own journey,” she says.
One of her most influential mentors was a woman at the NFL who had both legal expertise and a deep understanding of the sports industry. “She was always available for advice and kept me grounded during the early stages of my career,” Williams reflects. “Those conversations shaped my path and kept me focused on what was important.”
Advice for Aspiring Women in Sports
For women looking to break into the sports industry, Williams offers simple yet powerful advice: “Go for it.” She stresses the importance of being intentional about your career path and aligning your passion with your goals. “It’s not always going to be a straight path. But if you are committed and focus on the ‘why’ behind what you’re doing, you’ll find success,” she advises.
Williams’ own career trajectory serves as a testament to this advice. Though she didn’t start with a sports background, her ability to pivot and embrace new opportunities has led her to her dream job with the Titans.
Looking Ahead: Building a Legacy
When asked about her future ambitions, Williams is focused on mastering her current role and making a lasting impact within the Titans organization. “I want to ensure the legal department is set up for long-term success,” she shares. “One day, I’d love to look back and say that I not only contributed to the team’s growth but that I was a driving force behind it.”
Ultimately, Williams dreams of one day serving as the president of an NFL team. “It’s a long-term goal, but I want to be in a position where I can have an even greater influence on the direction of the organization.”
Pride in Her Journey
Reflecting on her career, Williams is most proud of her ability to pivot and find success in a career she initially doubted was for her. “When I first started, I didn’t know what I was doing,” she admits. “I tried different areas of law before finding my place in sports. But now, I’m in a position where I can do both law and business, and it feels like everything has come full circle.”
Williams’ story is a powerful reminder that success in the NFL isn’t just about talent on the field—it’s about the women behind the scenes who are breaking new ground, paving the way for the next generation of leaders.
