Former UF running backs Mon Williams and D.J. Johnson die

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Wendell "Mon" Williams, a Florida running back and member of Florida's national championship teams in 2006 and 2008, has died in Mesquite, Texas. Williams turned 31 six days ago (Oct. 5).

A spokesman for Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home in Texas on Wednesday confirmed his death. A cause of death has not been announced. A final tribute for Williams is scheduled on Friday at Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home, starting at 3 p.m. for family and friends. Williams' funeral service is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church.

"Heartbroken hearing this news…Mon Williams was a good man with a heart of gold and a great friend,'' former Gators teammate Emmanuel Moody posted on Instagram. "He would help anyone and everyone – a true servant of God. A man who lived with strong conviction. I'm gonna miss you and I love you brother."

Williams escaped death in April 2015 after he collapsed following a run. He was revived by a bystander and first responders who performed CPR.

"When I first woke up, I was like 'What am I doing here?' " Williams told The Dallas Morning News. "The hospital said I was brain dead and wasn't going to wake up."

Williams starred at Horn High in Mesquite prior to joining the Gators in 2006, Urban Meyer's second season. Williams' most memorable game with the Gators was a 62-0 win over Western Carolina his freshman season. He rushed for a team-high 95 yards. Williams suffered a knee injury as a sophomore and had only one carry in 2008 prior to finishing his college career at Eastern Illinois.

Williams continued to pursue a professional career as recently as this summer, playing for the Dallas Marshals, an arena team. He also discovered a job he enjoyed as much as football, working as a Lyft driver and featured in this piece by a local television station in Dallas back in early June.

In addition to Williams, another former Gators running back has passed away. David Johnson played for the Gators in the late 1970s. His obituary is below.

David J. "D.J." Johnson, 58, passed away at his residence Aug. 8, 2017. He was a St. Augustine native and was proud to have been the son of David and Victoria Jackson. His father was the first black Deputy Sheriff in St. Johns County. David attended the University of Florida where he was a member of the football team during the 1977-78 seasons. He was forever a true Gator fan.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years: Diane L. Johnson, his stepson: David Bailey, sister: Betty Ann and brothers: Stephen, McKenzie, Robert and Karl.
There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at St. Paul AME Church, 85 M.L. King Ave.
Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park (www.craigfuneralhome.com) is assisting the family.

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Former UF running backs Mon Williams and D.J. Johnson die

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