Kansas City Chiefs 90-man roster by jersey number: No. 2, DB Joshua Williams.

The Kansas City Chiefs enter the new season with a roster filled with familiar faces and emerging talents, and as fans begin to pore over every detail of the 90-man roster, jersey numbers are becoming more than just digits stitched onto fabric—they’re part of each player’s identity, legacy, and journey. One of those numbers, No. 2, belongs to a young and promising defensive back who continues to carve out his place in the Chiefs’ secondary: Joshua Williams.

Joshua Williams has become a recognizable figure for Chiefs fans, not just for his number but for the way he plays the game. Standing tall in the defensive backfield, Williams brings a blend of athleticism, length, and tenacity that’s rare for someone still early in his NFL career. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Williams arrived in Kansas City with much to prove and has quietly but steadily done just that.

Coming out of Fayetteville State, a Division II program, Williams faced the kind of uphill battle that most small-school prospects know all too well. He wasn’t just competing against other rookies—he was out to prove he belonged in the NFL. Wearing No. 2, he didn’t shrink from the challenge. Instead, he embraced it. That number, bold and simple, became symbolic of his straightforward approach to the game. No flair, just football.

As training camp unfolded, it didn’t take long for Williams to start turning heads. Coaches praised his instincts, his length—he stands at 6-foot-3, an imposing height for a corner—and his willingness to learn. While raw in some areas, his upside was evident from the beginning. No. 2 wasn’t just another number lost in the sea of 90—it became a number to watch.

His rookie season brought growing pains, as most first-year defensive backs experience, but it also brought opportunity. The Chiefs were undergoing a youth movement in the secondary, and Williams was thrust into meaningful snaps early on. Injuries in the defensive backfield opened the door for more playing time, and Williams responded with resilience and steady improvement.

One of the most memorable moments in his young career came during the Chiefs’ postseason run. In a tense playoff matchup, Williams came through with a pivotal interception that shifted momentum in Kansas City’s favor. It wasn’t just the play itself that was impressive, but the confidence and poise with which he executed it. That moment cemented his standing as more than just a depth piece—he was a player who could be trusted in big situations.

Throughout his second season, Williams continued to earn reps and respect. Though he wasn’t always a starter, his role as a rotational corner grew, and with each game, he showcased more of the physicality and awareness that the Chiefs’ coaching staff values. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, known for his intricate schemes and high expectations of his secondary, has repeatedly praised Williams for his dedication to understanding the system and for his coachability.

Being No. 2 on a Super Bowl-contending roster means something. It’s not just a number—it’s a statement. It means you’ve put in the work, earned your place, and are continuing to grow. Williams wears the number with quiet pride, letting his play do the talking. Unlike many players who make headlines off the field, Williams maintains a relatively low profile. His focus remains squarely on football, and it’s that mindset that has made him a valuable asset in a defense that has blossomed into one of the NFL’s best.

While stars like Chris Jones and Trent McDuffie dominate the spotlight, Williams’ contributions often come in the subtle plays that don’t always show up in the box score—tight coverage that forces an incompletion, a key tackle in space, or executing his assignment with discipline so others can make the big play. He is part of a defensive unit that relies on trust, communication, and accountability, and Williams fits that culture perfectly.

As the Chiefs head into another highly anticipated season, all eyes are on how their defense continues to evolve, especially with young players like Williams poised to take the next step. Training camp and preseason games will be critical for him—not only to solidify his spot on the final 53-man roster but to compete for an expanded role. The competition in the secondary will be fierce, with draft picks and undrafted rookies eager to make their mark. But Williams isn’t new to competition. He’s faced it his entire career.

Coming from a small school, he had to fight for visibility. Coming into the NFL, he had to prove he wasn’t just a “project.” And even now, with a Super Bowl ring to his name, he’s fighting for more—more snaps, more responsibility, and more trust from his coaches. That competitive fire is what keeps him improving. He knows that in the NFL, nothing is guaranteed, and every day is a chance to earn your place all over again.

The No. 2 jersey has history across the league—worn by stars, legends, and role players alike. For Joshua Williams, it’s a number that reminds him of his journey. Every time he puts it on, it’s a reminder of how far he’s come and how much further he wants to go. It’s not about flash. It’s about foundation. No. 2 is about being steady, dependable, and ready for the moment when your number is called—literally and figuratively.

He continues to study the game relentlessly, often seen on the sidelines absorbing coaching points, watching film, or helping younger players acclimate. That leadership, even if understated, reflects a maturity beyond his years. He’s been through the gauntlet of early career adversity and emerged with a clear understanding of what it takes to stay in the league. For Williams, it’s all about consistency and being prepared for every opportunity.

In an era where speed and flashiness often get the headlines, Williams brings an old-school mentality—do your job, play hard, and be a good teammate. That kind of player might not always go viral, but they win games. And in Kansas City, where championships are the standard, players like Joshua Williams are indispensable.

As fans analyze the 90-man roster, there’s always curiosity about who will rise, who will surprise, and who will emerge as a key contributor when the games start to matter. Williams is one of those names worth circling. He may not be the loudest, but his presence on the field is increasingly impactful. Wearing No. 2, he has already delivered big moments—and he’s chasing more.

The Chiefs’ coaching staff is excited about his potential. Teammates trust him. And opponents are starting to learn not to test him as casually as they once did. His length and recovery speed make him a tough matchup for bigger receivers, and his growing knowledge of route concepts and spacing has made him smarter in zone schemes.

Looking ahead, Williams has a real opportunity to be part of the Chiefs’ long-term defensive core. While the front office continues to shape the secondary with a mix of veterans and young talent, Williams sits at that ideal midpoint—a young player with experience, still developing but already battle-tested. If he continues on this trajectory, No. 2 won’t just be a jersey number on a deep offseason roster—it’ll be a staple in the Chiefs’ defensive rotation for years to come.

As training camp approaches and preseason action draws nearer, the spotlight will return to every snap, every rep, and every jersey on the field. For Joshua Williams, it’s just another chance to prove what he’s known all along—that he belongs. That he can be trusted. That he can compete with the best. And most of all, that wearing No. 2 for the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just a number—it’s a statement of his commitment to the game, his team, and himself.