Why does Jamaal Williams like Naruto? Lions RB explains significance of wildly popular anime
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams likes anime and has now revealed why he loves the art form.
Beyond the value of entertainment, he said that he likes anime as an art in cartoon form that's meant for adults. He said that he gets his morals and principles from anime and namechecked Naruto as one he looks towards.
"Anime is basically just art that's in cartoon mode. It's still in the series. There's some anime, it's crazy. That's literally just for adults. Like you will like it. I promise you. But for me, I get more principles and morals from them. I get the principles of like I gave the example of Naruto."
He then elaborated on the story of Naruto. Williams cited him as an inspiration, as he was an outcast who could have gone astray. However, staying true to his course and not becoming evil has had a profound impact on the player:
"Naruto was a young kid who basically was getting; basically everybody was calling him an outcast and didn't mess with him in the village. Basically ... You would think he would come up to become a bad person. He'd be evil; he'd be angry."
Naruto's impact on Williams can be further gauged by how he takes the example of an anime character wanting to become the village president. The Lions player said:
"End of the day in order to want it to be president of the village and let people know that he's not a monster. He not somebody to be afraid of. He's literally a genuine, nice person who just wants to help other people out."
The full conversation is available below:
Jamaal Williams' enduring fascination with anime
Jamaal Williams has to be the biggest anime fan in the NFL at the moment. He has not shied away from his passion even while playing football.
During one memorable introduction, he called himself "1st Swagg Kazekage", with the Kazekage being the ruler of the Village Hidden by the Sand. His pronouncement was so popular that the NFL cropped the introduction and put it out.
Jamaal Williams aka 1st Swagg Kazekage
@jswaggdaddy @Lions https://t.co/fqq8XWcMnS
Even his Twitter handle is @jswaggdaddy, referencing the character, and both his profile photo and cover photo at the moment have references to anime.
Williams has previously asked fans to bring him anime stuff, saying he can always exchange some of his collectibles with them. He maintains that when fans approach him with anime merchandise, they see him as someone beyond a football player. He said:
"When people bring anime stuff, I know they understand me as a person; they don't just see me as a football player. Bring me some stuff, and I give you stuff."
🗣PSA from @jswaggdaddy https://t.co/8uVIdyeaeu
Even in the heat of the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions' rivalry, Jamaal Williams has always had his priorities straight, and they have often involved anime.
When Aaron Rodgers was talking about his team, Williams wanted to get the game out of the way and play Pokemon, rather than responding to that slight.
Jamaal Williams (@jswaggdaddy) is a treasure.
He doesn't care if Aaron Rodgers talks trash about the Lions. He just wants to play football and go home and play Pokémon. And don't you dare mispronounce Pokémon. 😂😂 https://t.co/Q0W7UtOGjt
Anime might not have a bigger advocate in the NFL than Jamaal Williams. However, it has become more mainstream in the NFL over the years. One of the most memorable anime videos was produced by the Los Angeles Chargers when revealing their playing schedule for last season.
Currently thinking about that time the LA Chargers revealed their regular season schedule in the form of an anime opening https://t.co/60Yhs8np1r
The art form is finding growing acceptance in the NFL community. Jamaal Williams is certainly leading from the front in that regard.