Ernie Williamson


Ernest Warriner Williamson was an American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and New York Giants. Williamson also played in the All-America Football Conference for the Los Angeles Dons. He played college football at the University of North Carolina.

Early life

Williamson was born in Crewe, Virginia and attended Crewe High School. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and became a member of the Naval Station Great Lakes football team where he played for Hall of Fame coach Paul Brown. He served in the South Pacific during World War II.

College career

After attending The Apprentice School, Williamson attended and played college football at the University of North Carolina in 1946. That year, UNC won the Southern Conference title and lost to the University of Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Williamson received an undergraduate degree in 1951 and a master's degree from UNC in 1952, both in physical education.

Professional career

Williamson was drafted in the tenth round of the 1947 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. He then played for the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Dons of the All-America Football Conference, before a knee-injury ended his playing career.

Coaching career

After retiring from football, Williamson became an assistant football, track and wrestling coach at in Sewanee, Tennessee. He served as an assistant football coach for two years and was head coach of the Sewanee Tigers football team from 1954 to 1956.

UNC Educational Foundation

In 1957, Williamson returned to the University of North Carolina to head the Educational Foundation, a foundation which raises money for scholarships for student-athletes, which he led for three decades. Williamson received the William R. Davie Award from the UNC Board of Trustees in 1986 to recognize his distinguished service to the University. He also was the recipient of a Priceless Gem from the Department of Athletics in 1982 and a Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1997.