INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Former Harvard left offensive tackle James Williams (Chestnut Hill, Mass.) has signed a free agent contract with the Indianapolis Colts in an announcement made on Tuesday. Williams was on the practice field with the Colts that afternoon.

Williams, originally signed by Tampa Bay in April, made the move to Indianapolis which has proven to be a stronghold for Harvard players in recent years. Clifton Dawson is the most recent player for the Colts to come from Harvard while fellow former All-American Andrew Berry is in the team's scouting department.

Williams is one of five active Harvard players in the NFL. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick enters his sixth season in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, with whom he appeared in 10 games last season, starting eight following a 2008 campaign in which he started 12 games for the Cincinnati Bengals. Chris Pizzotti is a member of the Green Bay Packers and Desmond Bryant is in his second year with the Oakland Raiders after collecting 32 tackles last season with one forced fumble. Matt Birk, meanwhile, is entering his 14^th season, and is a member of the Baltimore Ravens. The six-time Pro Bowl center has played 146 regular season games, starting 123.  Running Back Clifton Dawson recently retired following a three-year career with Indianapolis and Cincinnati.   

One of the nation's premier linemen, Williams finished his career as a three-time All-America selection at left offensive tackle for Harvard. His extremely long arms and superior technique led to his selection as a three-time unanimous choice All-Ivy League pick by the head coaches. He started every game since his sophomore season.