Aeneas Williams to receive Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence

Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive back Aeneas Williams will receive his Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence, created by Kay® Jewelers, during the Arizona Cardinals Week 11 matchup against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Nov. 16 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Williams will receive his Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence from Pro Football Hall of Fame President David Baker during a special halftime ceremony.

The Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence is one of three iconic symbols that represent the elite status of being a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Williams received his Hall of Fame Gold Jacket on the eve of his enshrinement in Canton, and unveiled his Bronzed Bust during the Enshrinement Ceremony. All three symbols will be displayed during the ring presentation on Sunday afternoon. He will wear his Hall of Fame Gold Jacket and his Bronzed Bust will be temporarily removed from the Hall of Fame and shipped to University of Phoenix Stadium for the Ring of Excellence ceremony.

{GALLERY}"We are thrilled to be the Official Jewelry Store of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and honored to provide Aeneas with his Ring of Excellence," said Ed Hrabak, President, Kay® Jewelers. "Aeneas’ Ring of Excellence reflects the incredible achievement of enshrinement while also celebrating his unique career. The ring features intricate detail and state-of-the-art craftsmanship, from the ‘stadium effect’ created by the outer diamonds to completely customized sides featuring his name, years in the league, position and even an engraving of his Hall of Fame bust."

Williams was enshrined into the Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug. 2 along with Derrick Brooks, Ray Guy, Claude Humphrey, Walter Jones, Andre Reed, and Michael Strahan. Williams is the 12th longtime member of the Cardinals franchise to be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Williams was picked in the third round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the Cardinals. He became one of the most dominant cornerbacks of his era during the 12 seasons in which he played the position. He spent the last two years of his illustrious career at safety. Williams earned Pro Bowl berths at both positions. A member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s, he recorded 55 career interceptions which he returned for 807 yards and his nine pick-sixes ranked second all-time when he retired.

During a passionate speech from the Enshrinement stage in Canton in August, Williams, an ordained minister in St. Louis, emphasized how people need to start anything in life by keeping the end in mind. He further explained that his “life assignment” was to help people live a fulfilled life and “go to their grave empty.” By the end of his riveting address, he had the entire stadium alternating chants of “begin with the end in mind” and “die empty!” (Watch: Highlights from Aeneas Williams' Enshrinement Speech).

FACT SHEET: Pro Football Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence by Kay® Jewelers