Every one of us needs a role model in our lives. And Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams is one of those people who was fortunate enough to have one in his family. Joining the Eagles as their third-round pick in 2021, Williams didn’t become an outright starter in Philadelphia.

His first-ever sack came on Halloween night when he got the better of Lions QB Jared Goff. Announcing himself to Philly, Williams didn’t only record a sack as he drove the Eagles’ defense with 4 tackles. Helping the Eagles win 44-6 on the night, Williams also made it to the Super Bowl LVII. Although the results didn’t go in the favor of the Eagles, Milton did record 1 tackle to leave his mark at the grandest stage of all. Now, the dedication to keep working harder was something his father, Williams Sr., installed into the Eagles DT from a very young age.

Who are Milton Williams’s parents?

Milton Williams was raised by Angenika “Milton Sr.” Williams and Willanette Williams, two people who carried their children through life with determination that felt almost stubborn. Angenika Sr., the father who his son calls his hero. He worked 13-hour shifts driving trucks across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. He’d get home late, sleep lightly, then head back out before sunrise. Yet he still made every game. Every track meets. Every event. He showed up even when it cost him the sleep he desperately needed. That kind of commitment stuck to Milton like glue.

Willanette brought a different strength. She survived breast cancer, raised four kids, and worked as an elementary school counselor in Fort Worth ISD. She helped students during the day, then came home and helped her own children dream bigger. She is a graduate in Bachelor of Science Degree from Texas College. Then she went to Prairie View A&M University for her master’s in counseling. 

The Williams couple have been married for more than 30 years and they raised a family that always felt bigger than the walls around them. And they still give back mentoring kids, supporting school programs, and showing up whenever their community calls.

Where did Milton Williams grow up?

Milton was born on April 6, 1999, in Crowley, Texas. His childhood felt simple but tough, shaped by long workdays, crowded carpools, and a family that believed in effort over excuses. Crowley wasn’t flashy, but it was steady. It gave Milton room to grow, mess up, learn, and start again. His parents kept him grounded while encouraging every goal he set. He spent afternoons outside, weekends at games, and nights listening to his dad’s stories from the road. Those years built his confidence and his edge, long before football became a career and not just a dream.

Who are Milton Williams’s siblings?

Milton grew up as the middle child among three sisters: Mishayla, Mia, and Malia. Mishayla, the eldest, often played the steady guide. Mia, Milton’s twin, came two minutes later but matched his fire step for step. She’s active, coaching basketball, volleyball, and track, and she graduated from Louisiana Tech just like her brother. Malia is the youngest, the baby of the Williams squad. Though she keeps a lower profile, she completes the family puzzle that shaped Milton’s world. Growing up with three sisters taught him humor, patience, and how to navigate chaos with a grin.

How did Milton Williams’s parents shape his career?

Milton’s career didn’t start with scouts or highlight tapes. It started with a father who came home exhausted but still sat in the bleachers. It started with a mother who fought her own battles yet never missed a chance to cheer. Their love wasn’t soft, it was persistent, loud, and steady. When he struggled during his rookie year in Philadelphia, he thought about his father leaving at 2 a.m. and returning with barely enough time to shower before a game. “I have no excuse,” he reminded himself. That mindset carried him forward.

His mother shaped him in quieter ways. Her counseling background taught him how to lead, how to communicate, and how to breathe through stressful moments. She reminded him to stay grounded, no matter the spotlight. Together, they taught him that success isn’t about talent alone; it’s about consistency. And Milton has carried that into every snap he takes, proving their lessons right.

The Williams still remain as close as ever. They talk often. They celebrate wins, handle losses, and still tease each other like they did in Crowley. Milton may be building his career in Philadelphia, but his foundation still sits in Texas which is steady, unshakable, and always cheering.