Sports

Pat Narduzzi Rejects Accusation Of Conspiring To Blackball Former Pittsburgh Player From NFL

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Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Pitt football coach Pat Narduzzi


Former Pitt football player Poppi Williams is not playing in the NFL despite a productive college career. He blames head coach Pat Narduzzi for his inability to get a job with a professional team.

Williams accused Narduzzi of conspiring to sabotage his pro career. He effectively blackballed the wide receiver with a negative performance review.

Williams took to social media over the weekend to put his old coach on blast.

“I’ve been debating about posting this for months, but it’s been on my heart. It’s hurts me to know that my own school/COACH tarnished my character, and told nothing but lies to NFL teams,” he posted on X.

Poppi Williams blames Pat Narduzzi.

The wide receiver believes that his coach talked badly about his character with NFL scouts. The scouting report that Williams shared alleged “below average personal character,” and an accusation of being disrespectful toward female staff members.

Additionally, the scout was told that Williams became “super cocky and feels entitled” and labeled him as a “jerk.”

Williams also shared a text message conversation in which Narduzzi appeared to deny any accusations of shadiness.

Narduzzi posted a message of support for Poppi Williams after the pass catcher went undrafted in 2026. The coach publicly referred to his player as “talented, productive, and reliable.” He also referenced a strong character and a hard-working attitude.

Was he saying something different behind closed doors?

Pat Narduzzi dismisses narrative.

“I’m not going to waste my time and energy on something that’s useless,” he said when talking to the media. “We always take care of our guys here at Pitt. You can tell by the amount of guys in the NFL. I’m not going to waste my time. We wish him the best.”

Williams was one of the ACC’s most productive receivers in 2025, hauling in 51 catches for 701 yards. He scored 13 touchdowns across two seasons with the Panthers.

Pat Narduzzi appreciated Poppi Williams’ time at Pitt, at least according to the text messages shared by the wideout. The coach says he did not sabotage his former player’s NFL career.

Narduzzi will not waste his time engaging with Williams. He’s looking ahead to the 2026 season. The Panthers open with Miami (OH) on September 5th.