Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers wide receiver Raphael Williams Jr. (5) celebrates his touchdown offensive linemen Lyndon Cooper (56) and Keith Gouveia (66) against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Is Pitt Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi the reason that former wide receiver Raphael “Poppi” Williams isn’t playing in the NFL right now? That’s what Williams believes.
In a lengthy post on X over the weekend, Williams alleged that Narduzzi went behind his back to tarnish his reputation to NFL teams, leading teams to stay away.
He then went on to share a text exchange with Narduzzi where the coach praises his character, adding even more confusion to the situation.
Somebody Told An NFL Scout That Poppi Williams Had Major Character Concerns
On the surface, Williams’ character is as clean as a whistle. He doesn’t drink or smoke. He graduated on time, and he was never suspended or arrested during his time in college.
Despite that, at least one NFL scout seemed to believe that Williams would be a major headache.
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. I was sent this screenshot of my coach talking about me. All I ever did was work my hardest… https://t.co/rwW13HrbKP pic.twitter.com/7fYurGcfcG
— Raphael Poppi Williams Jr. (@Poppi1k) August 23, 2026
“Poppi Williams was a talented, productive, and reliable player for us. He is healthy and ready to go! He’s a great young man with strong character that will come in and work hard for a spot! Whichever NFL team gives him a chance, they’ll be very lucky to have him,” Narduzzi posted on X after Williams went unselected in the NFL Draft.
But in a scouting report that Williams shared, he was alleged to have “below average personal character.” Additionally, the scout was told that Williams became “super cocky and feels entitled” and labeled him as a “jerk.” Perhaps most glaring was an accusation of being disrespectful toward female staff members in the report.
Is Pat Narduzzi To Blame?
After seeing the scouting report, Williams reached out to Narduzzi to try and find out what happened.
“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. “I was sent this screenshot of my coach talking about me. All I ever did was work my hardest and try to be the best leader to my teammates. I never got a real shot in the league. Not because of my play but “character issues”.
“I’ve never had that, you can ask my teammates, coaches, and more. I brought energy and light into this community. I need answers. And have receipts. Crazy to think it hard to say one good thing about a kid who started two years at a program. Never been late to nothing. Never disrespected no one.”
Well in his own words I never had character issues 🧐 https://t.co/8a3ruC93BK pic.twitter.com/ws3ckn9TJu
— Raphael Poppi Williams Jr. (@Poppi1k) August 23, 2026
But here’s the catch. Narduzzi claims he wasn’t the one who trashed Williams. In a later text exchange with the star wideout, he called out the report and claimed that he was just as angry as Williams was.
Whether Narduzzi is telling the truth or not, someone seemingly threw Williams under the bus. And it could be the reason why one of the ACC’s best receivers in 2026 couldn’t find a home in the NFL.