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