Former Notre Dame All-American Passes Away at 62

Former Notre Dame All-American, offensive lineman Larry Williams, died Thursday at 62 years of age. Williams had been serving as the athletic director at the University of San Francisco (USF), a position he held at multiple colleges since his football career came to an end.

According to a statement from USF, Williams was working out on campus Thursday when he suffered a heart-related incident. Williams's passing was first reported by John Canzano on X.

Larry Williams, University of San Francisco Athletic Director, died on campus this AM. He was working out and had a heart-related incident.

Williams, 62, previously was AD at the University of Portland, Marquette, and Akron. He played football at Notre Dame and in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/Kkcum2do5V
— John Canzano (@johncanzanobft) October 16, 2025

"We extend our heartfelt prayers to Larry's wife, Laura, their children, Kristin, Sean, Scott, Eric, and Louis, as well as their extended family and grandchildren," said USF president Salvador D. Aceves in a statement. "Our thoughts are also with the 250 student-athletes and the coaches and staff who worked closely with Larry."

Larry Williams at Notre Dame

Williams grew up in southern California, attending traditional football powerhouse Mater Dei for high school before attending Notre Dame for college.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Larry Williams. We send our condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/yC3vaxQTZ5
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) October 17, 2025

Williams attended Notre Dame during a dark era for the football program under head coach Gerry Faust. That didn't keep Williams from starring, however, twice earning second-team All-America honors as an offensive lineman.

Williams would go on to become a 10th-round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns in 1985, and play four seasons there, starting 33 games. Injuries began to run their course and Williams would eventually have stints with the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots before retiring following the 1992 season.

Williams returned to Notre Dame in the late nineties and worked in licensing and product marketing for a handful of years before getting into athletic administration. Williams would go on to become athletic director at the University of Portland, Marquette University, University of Akron, and the University of San Francisco.

Social Media Reacts to Larry Williams's Death

Many in the Notre Dame community took to social media Thursday to remember the former star lineman and athletic administrator.

Holtz's Heroes Foundation

🙏🏼 God rest Larry Williams & may he hold Larry’s family, teammates and friends in the palms of his hands. Larry was a beloved and loyal son of Our Lady’s University and her football family.
Legends preceded us on hallowed grounds.
☘️ 🏈 🎓🌳 https://t.co/RPnuA7VXNx pic.twitter.com/xKlXqzlQRT
— Holtz's Heroes Foundation (@HoltzHeroes) October 17, 2025

Reporter Mike Bernadino

Awful news about a two-time, second-team All-America offensive lineman (1983-84) for the Faust-era Irish. Interviewed Larry at the Golic Foundation event in June 2023, and he couldn't have been nicer. May he rest in peace. #NotreDame https://t.co/dy4z30A9dB
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) October 17, 2025

LeslieAnne Wade

Saddened to hear of sudden loss of @DonsAthletics Director Larry Williams today. Forever a member of @NDFootball family 💚☘️💚. @NotreDame @NDAlumni https://t.co/decUB80kte
— LeslieAnne Wade (@LeslieAnneWade) October 16, 2025

Former Notre Dame Play-by-Play Voice, Jack Nolan

Devastating news. Larry was my co-host on the Notre Dame Football Postgame Show in the early 2000s. Wonderful and brilliant man. Even put up with me calling him “My follically challenged friend.” Just tragic. Prayers for his family. https://t.co/oyiLiwpYDT
— Jack Nolan (@NDJackNolan) October 17, 2025

Former Notre Dame Offensive Lineman, Mike Golic, Jr.

Oh my god I feel sick. awful awful news. https://t.co/XH29nv7IH7
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) October 16, 2025

Golic's father played with Williams during their time together at Notre Dame.

The Mid-American Conference (MAC) Remembers Larry Williams

The Mid-American Conference is deeply saddened by the passing of Larry Williams, beloved father of MAC Senior Associate Commissioner Kristin Williams.

Larry was a proud and accomplished athletics administrator, serving as Director of Athletics at the University of Akron,… pic.twitter.com/tYtM32rXkX
— MACtion (@MACSports) October 17, 2025

Marquette University Athletics Remembers Larry Williams

We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Marquette Athletic Director Larry Williams. Larry was a strong, committed leader whose passion for the holistic development of student-athletes left a lasting mark on Marquette University and collegiate athletics.

His vision and… pic.twitter.com/tzww1WhaMY
— Marquette Athletics (@muathletics) October 16, 2025

ESPN Reporter Remembers Former Notre Dame Star Larry Williams

Crushing news. Larry was smart, engaging and fun to talk with because he thought outside the box. He had great perspective as a former star player in college and the NFL. He also worked at nearly every level of college sports. Prayers with his family. https://t.co/HeX96vyrkb
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 17, 2025

Williams is survived by his wife, Laura Lee, who he met while a student at Notre Dame. Laura was an All-American herself for the Fighting Irish, as she starred on the women's tennis team.