What if the kid who once got bullied—and then became the bully—grew up to break the cycle for everyone else?

Tommy Williams grew up on the south side of Chicago, surrounded by gangs, violence, and instability. After years of navigating survival mode, he found refuge—and purpose on the football field.

Sports taught him discipline. Community gave him a reason to stay the course. And when life knocked him down again, he chose to rise not just for himself, but for others.

Tommy launched Operation: Healthy Family, a nonprofit dedicated to helping youth build confidence and resilience through sports. His programs like Emmanuel Fitness and the Good News Dental Clinic are now changing lives —and proving that transformation isn’t just personal, it’s generational.

His story will remind you: your pain can become your purpose—and your purpose can become someone else’s lifeline.

00:00 A Life Altered by Choices

00:33 Tommy Williams: From Survival to Purpose

00:59 The Power of Community and Sports

01:51 Early Life in Chicago

02:30 Navigating Gang Influence

04:48 Bullying and Transformation

08:32 A Turning Point: The Bike Accident

12:41 High School Challenges and Expulsion

18:48 From Expulsion to New Beginnings

30:31 The Path to College Football

35:47 Meeting the Coach and Visiting Washington

37:23 First Impressions of Spokane

40:53 Adjusting to College Life and Overcoming Challenges

45:27 Pursuing a Career in Criminal Justice

47:50 Starting a Foundation and Helping the Community

55:59 Operation Healthy Families and Anti-Bullying Initiatives

01:05:31 Challenges and Future Goals

01:09:42 Final Thoughts