Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams took the microphone on Thursday and offered something fans rarely hear so directly: a candid explanation — and a sincere apology.

Williams’ 40-yard touchdown against the Eagles was the brightest moment of Detroit’s night. But after scoring, he jumped onto the goalpost and slid down it, drawing a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. That setback forced Jake Bates to attempt a 48-yard extra point in strong winds. The kick sailed wide, and the Lions missed out on a chance to go ahead 7–6.

On Thursday, Williams explained what happened and took accountability for the aftermath.

“I Honestly Didn’t Know It Was Against the Rules”

Williams admitted he had no clue the celebration was illegal.

“I really didn’t know it was a penalty until I got to the bench and saw the field-goal team coming out,” he told reporters, via Lions OnSI. “I apologized to Jake, to Jack, to coach — everybody. I didn’t think about it in the moment… but it felt like it was on me.”

Even though teammates reassured him it wasn’t his fault, Williams said he couldn’t shake the feeling that it was.

“We just gotta make plays and be smarter,” he added.

Looking Ahead: “I’m Moving On”

When asked if this kind of mistake is a recurring issue, Williams pushed back with a grin.

“You think I do this all the time?” he joked. “I think I only got called for it once this year. It’s something I can definitely control. I’m moving past it — new week, new game.”

The Lions will surely welcome both the maturity and the self-awareness from their young playmaker.

Dave Fipp: No Excuses — “The Kick Is the Kick”

Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said he didn’t feel the need to correct Williams himself. He saw head coach Dan Campbell speak to Williams immediately, and that was enough.

What mattered most to Fipp was execution.

“I saw Dan talk to him, so I knew it was handled,” Fipp said. “They call ‘field goal,’ we go out and kick a field goal. Wherever the ball is spotted… that’s where it is. It really doesn’t matter.”

He didn’t sugarcoat the miss, either.

“Our job is to make the kick,” he continued. “If we make it, nobody’s talking about anything else. We didn’t execute, and that’s unfortunate.”

Fipp also noted that Bates’ later 54-yard attempt — a tough kick in that stadium — was just as impactful.

Onward for Detroit

Williams admitted his error, apologized across the board, and promised to correct it. Campbell addressed it, Fipp minimized it, and the Lions now turn the page.

Jamo created the highlight of the night — and the mistake that overshadowed it. But he has the chance to change the narrative this Sunday.

If he delivers, that one trip down the goalpost will be forgotten.