Fans, friends and family came in droves to Great Commission Baptist Church in Fort Worth, TX – not far from where the Broncos’ slain cornerback grew up – to say goodbye Darrent Williams.
He was one of the NFL’s most promising young defensive backs before being gunned day in a drive-by shooting in downtown Denver on New Year’s Day.
Police have no suspects in the slaying but did make an arrest Friday night of a man they want to question.
Williams’ teammates flew in from Denver and coach Mike Shanahan was among the scheduled speakers at the service. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was to attend the funeral, which was open to the public, followed by a private graveside service.
On Friday night, thousands of mourners filed past Williams’ open copper-colored casket during a two-hour memorial service where Pastor Douglas E. Brown said Saturday’s services wouldn’t be about grief but a celebration of Williams’ 24 years on earth.
Several mourners spoke at the visitation services, recounting how Williams never got bigheaded about his success and always tried to help others succeed, encouraging them to go to class, stay out of street gangs and make something of their lives.
A Broncos helmet sat at the front of the church and Williams’ white No. 27 jersey was draped over the altar. Williams was dressed in a black pinstriped suit with an orange tie and white shirt.
Williams is survived by a 7-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter, who live in Fort Worth.
