After leaving the Denver Broncos in the offseason, Javonte Williams is on the stat sheet against his former team with the Dallas Cowboys.
On Sunday afternoon in Denver, Williams -- who was selected by the Broncos in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft -- ran for two touchdowns as Dallas lost to the Broncos.
The running back has been one of the best in the NFL this season so far. Going into Sunday's game, Williams was second in the NFL with 592 yards and tied for third with three touchdowns.
With Williams back in the end zone in opposing colors, let's revisit why the Broncos and him split.
MORE: Why Javonte Williams left the Broncos for the Cowboys
Why did Javonte Williams leave the Broncos?
Williams left the Broncos in the 2025 offseason because his rookie contract expired, and the team chose not to re-sign him. He became an unrestricted free agent and subsequently signed with the Dallas Cowboys.
The decision was described as "mutual" by Williams and others, and was largely influenced by his production after a major multi-ligament knee injury he suffered in 2022. Although he had a promising rookie season, his performance as a rusher in the two seasons following his knee injury was less efficient than his rookie year.
Instead of bringing Williams back, the Broncos decided to revamp their running back room, signing J.K. Dobbins and drafting rookie R.J. Harvey.
MORE: No 'buckle up' moment for Cowboys' Javonte Williams with Denver return looming
Javonte Williams stats vs. Cowboys
Though Williams did not put up a lot of yards, he got into the end zone twice.
- Carries: 13
- Rushing yards: 41
- Yards per carry: 3.2
- Rushing TD: 2
- Catches: 1
- Receiving yards: 8
- Receiving TD: 0
Both of Williams' touchdowns came from short-yardage situations.
JAVONTE WILLIAMS BACK IN DENVER AND BACK IN THE END ZONE 🔥
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) October 26, 2025
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/Nyw8RnNWuO
The Cowboys played from behind for the majority of the game, with both Williams touchdowns coming when Dallas was down double digits.
Javonte Williams in for his 2nd TD of the day
— NFL (@NFL) October 26, 2025
DALvsDEN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/8MSouUSCLF
MORE: Cowboys 'bet right' on Javonte Williams gamble
Javonte Williams career stats
After an exceptional rookie season, Williams' production decreased almost year-on-year in Denver. With the Cowboys, he has become one of the top running backs in 2025.
| Season | Team | Games | Rushing Att | Rushing Yds | Rushing TD | Receptions | Receiving Yds | Receiving TD | Scrimmage Yds |
| 2021 | DEN | 17 | 203 | 903 | 4 | 43 | 316 | 3 | 1,219 |
| 2022 | DEN | 4 | 47 | 204 | 0 | 16 | 76 | 0 | 280 |
| 2023 | DEN | 16 | 217 | 774 | 3 | 47 | 228 | 2 | 1,002 |
| 2024 | DEN | 17 | 139 | 513 | 4 | 52 | 346 | 0 | 859 |
| 2025 | DAL | 8 | 124 | 634 | 8 | 24 | 93 | 1 | 727 |
| Career Totals | 61 | 730 | 3,028 | 19 | 182 | 1,059 | 6 | 3,810 |
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