Williams, Lawler among Memphis sports hall of fame inductees

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Former NFL running back DeAngelo Williams and professional wrestler Jerry “The King” Lawler are among 27 athletes and coaches chosen for enshrinement in the Memphis sports hall of fame.

An induction ceremony Thursday will mark the first for the hall since 2019, after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said Kevin Kane, president and CEO of Memphis Tourism.

The Memphis Sports Experience & Hall of Fame honors athletes and coaches with ties to the city. Williams played college football at the University of Memphis, and Lawler wrestled in Memphis and lives there.

Others being honored include Lionel Hollins, former coach of the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies; Gene Bartow, former coach of the University of Memphis basketball team; former University of Memphis basketball player Elliot Perry; and former Christian Brothers University women’s soccer star Missy Gregg.

““I cherish my time at the University of Memphis and the city that believed in me,” Williams said in a news release. “I would not be who I am today without Memphis.”

Tickets are still available for the event, which will take place at the Renasant Convention Center in downtown Memphis.