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Don Oberhelman leaned back in his chair and listed the things he was looking forward to during his retirement: house projects, travel and reading a stack of books “probably 10 feet tall.”

Then Oberhelman, who served as Cal Poly’s athletic director for 15 years took a pause. 

“There was this other sobering thought that entered my head,” Oberhelman said.

He realized if he had the same life expectancy as his father, whom he described as “one of the most healthiest and vibrant individuals” he’s been around, Oberhelman would only get to live 15 more years.

“That’s not much time. I want to spend that time with my wife doing the things we love, and that’s going to be reading, traveling, being in our home and seeing our friends,” Oberhelman said. “My father loved his retirement, and I dearly wish he had more years of it.”

Oberhelman announced his retirement on June 9. He will remain in the position until the fall or until his next replacement is hired. 

READ MORE: Cal Poly Director of Athletics Don Oberhelman announces retirement

During his time at Cal Poly, the Mustangs have secured 54 team conference championships, the most of any Big West university over that period. Additionally, the graduation rate amongst student-athletes increased from 71% in 2011 to 93% in 2024, according to Cal Poly Athletics, which is one of his produdest accomplishments.

In recent years, Oberhelman has been adjusting the department to the new changes in college athletics, such as the rise of name, image and likeness (NIL) payments along with increased use of the transfer portal. The recently approved House v. NCAA settlement will usher in an age of direct payment to athletes, roster limits and new financial burdens for institutions. 

He said, however, college athletics’ vastly changing landscape didn’t affect his decision. Yet, the timing of his decision does bring him “greater peace” by stepping down at the right time.

“I’ve held this baton now for 15 years, and I’ve sprinted as fast as I can. I need to hand it to somebody now who’s fresh, who can now sprint us forward, and take us through this next phase of what Division I athletics is going to look like.”

Don Oberhelman

Across the country, many universities have decided to end sports programs. Loyola Marymount University dropped six sports in January 2024. So far in 2025, Grand Canyon discontinued a successful men’s volleyball program and UTEP cut women’s tennis. St. Francis (PA) is moving its athletics program from Division I to Division III.

Cal Poly fell into the same category when it eliminated its swim and dive program in March 2025. All schools, including Cal Poly, cited budgetary reasons and the House settlement as the reasoning for their moves.

LATEST ON SWIM AND DIVE: Uncertain future for Cal Poly swim recruits amid program cut

“It’s going to be the non-revenue Olympic spots that are going to pay the price,” Oberhelman said. “Until we’re able to change the financial structure of what the NCAA is looking like, I don’t see another way for us to do this.”

Following the cuts, the team worked toward reinstatement and put together a fundraising campaign. However, they fell short of the $15 million mark set by the university after raising $9 million. 

Oberhelman said 22 sports is too many for the department.

“We were starting to see sports suffer because we have too many mouths to feed,” he said. “It’s probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do as an athletic director, but I 100% believe it was the right decision for our university, and we did not go into it lightly.” 

He recognizes the pushback he and the athletic department have received. 

“We knew exactly what this is going to look like,” Oberhelman said of the criticism he’s received. “But it doesn’t make it a bad decision. It’s going to benefit the rest of our student body and the rest of our student athletes.”

With the elimination of the swim and dive team and the upcoming roster limits, he estimates there will be around 100 fewer student-athletes. 

“While that is not a great thing at all, it’s a very good thing for how we fund our program,” Oberhelman said. “It’s going to lead to greater success in our sports.”

Out of college, Oberhelman worked at a bank but didn’t enjoy his job. He had a friend who worked in public relations in the NFL and was recommended to pursue a master’s degree to break into the sports industry.

He then enrolled in graduate school at Florida State to get his master’s in athletic administration. His professor at the time offered him an internship, which he turned down.

That night, Oberhelman thought about the opportunity and changed his mind.

“The next day, when he came to his office, I was sitting outside his door, and he looked at me and said ‘I didn’t think I’d see you again,’” Oberhelman said.

From there, he worked his way up in Division I athletics working at Florida State, Texas A&M, Southern Miss and San Diego State with the ultimate goal of becoming a Division I athletic director.

Oberhelman loves the excitement of working in college sports.

“I love the energy of our hallway,” Oberhelman said. “There’s a reason there’s a hallway just like this in every athletic department in America.”

His office is located in the upstairs hallway of the Mott Athletic Center. The rest of the coaches for all sports can be found on the first or second floor.

“I love having my door open. I love hearing the student-athletes, hearing their banter and them talk about the school and practices,” Oberhleman said. “It keeps you young.”

He enjoys the opportunity to be a mentor and leader and help equip students with the skills to solve problems. 

Additionally, he said working with the other coaches has made him better.

“We have some of the best leaders and educators I’ve ever been around,” he said. “ I learned something new from one of them every single day.”

Oberhelman has an education-first approach to athletics, but the same can’t necessarily be said for the rest of Division I. He predicts an incoming split at some point between the biggest schools and conferences and everyone else.

“We’ve lost our North Star, which is educating students,” he said. “Now it’s just about compensating students.” 

With the amount of transferring, he’s worried graduation rates will tumble as credits don’t always transfer evenly between colleges. 

While not official, it appears Cal Poly is leaning toward opting into the House settlement. The university won’t necessarily engage in direct revenue sharing, at least initially, but the newly established Players’ Trust will enable programs to provide scholarship supplements to athletes, which will exceed the cost of attendance. 

The goal under the new rules will be to put as many players as they can on scholarship with no more limits on the amount. Regardless of how the university and the next athletic director tackle these problems, Oberhelman says the next person will need to be “a really good planner and change agent.”

“Change is coming at us so fast,” he said. “It’s got to be somebody who can really work through what that change means and get our organization to be able to adjust to that quickly.”

Oberhelman believes he’s built a strong framework to remain competitive. However, as has been demonstrated in recent years, the NCAA is an ever-evolving entity.

“I would say NCAA Division I athletics has been pretty constant for a very long time, and now all of a sudden it’s just all these changes coming at us,” Oberhelman said. “Everybody thinks now we have our structure. I disagree with that completely. We have our structure for today. We might have our structure for next month, but this isn’t the structure for the next year.”

After 15 years, Oberhelman is undecided about whether he has enough energy to continue leading the department through this next change. He wants to enjoy the precious time at home with his family, as he feels his father didn’t get enough of it. 

“Maybe I do. Maybe I don’t, but that doubt is enough to tell me I’m doing this at the right time,” he said. “Here’s the thing: I’d do this anyway. The timing of this is based purely on our family financial situation and what we want to do with our lives.”

But once again, Oberhelman paused and tried to find a way to explain what he meant. It isn’t purely a pursuit of more free time. It’s a move also for the betterment of the institution in his mind.

“With everything going on in the landscape, it’s not going to make me second-guess this in a couple of months, wondering if I did the right thing or not,” he said. “I believe I’m doing the right thing for me, but I also think I’m doing the right thing for this university.”

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Javonte Williams is making waves in the NFL as one of the most promising running backs of his generation. The 25-year-old athlete has built a impressive career despite facing significant challenges, including a major knee injury that tested his resilience.

In this article, you will know Javonte Williams’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship status, and more about this dynamic football player who continues to prove his worth on the biggest stage.

 Javonte Williams’ Biography

Early Career

Javonte Williams’s football journey began in the small town of Wallace, North Carolina, where community and sports went hand in hand. Growing up as the son of Jermaine and Shekemia Williams, young Javonte earned the nickname “Little Pookie” to match his father’s “Big Pookie” moniker.

His mother, Shekemia, made sure he prioritized education alongside athletics, which led to him graduating as valedictorian from Wallace-Rose Hill High School with an impressive 4.6 GPA.

Williams faced a major position change during his senior year that would shape his entire future. Originally playing linebacker and averaging double-digit tackles per game, he helped his team win three consecutive state titles in his first three seasons. When new head coach Kevin Motsinger took over the program, he approached Williams with an unexpected suggestion – switching to running back for his final season.

Though initially uncertain about the change, Williams embraced the challenge and discovered his true calling. The transition proved to be brilliant, as he rushed for 2,271 yards and 27 touchdowns during his senior campaign, earning him his first and only Division I scholarship offer from the University of North Carolina.

Professional Career

Williams’s college career at North Carolina was nothing short of spectacular, despite sharing the backfield with talented teammate Michael Carter. His progression was remarkable – starting with 224 rushing yards as a true freshman in 2018, then exploding for 933 yards in 2019.

His junior season in 2020 was truly special, as he rushed for 1,140 yards and 19 touchdowns while earning recognition as a dark horse Heisman Trophy candidate. Williams and Carter made history together against Miami, combining for an NCAA-record 544 rushing yards as a duo in a single game.

The Denver Broncos recognized Williams’s exceptional talent and traded up to select him with the 35th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. His rookie season exceeded expectations, as he rushed for 903 yards and four touchdowns while splitting time with veteran Melvin Gordon.

Williams showcased his versatility by also contributing 43 receptions for 316 yards and three receiving touchdowns, earning a spot on the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team. However, his promising career hit a major obstacle early in his second season when he suffered a devastating knee injury against the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, tearing his ACL, LCL, and posterolateral corner.

Javonte Williams Net Worth Details

As of 2025, Javonte Williams’s net worth is estimated between $6 million and $9 million.

Contract

Williams signed a significant one-year, $3 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys in March 2025, marking a fresh start in his career. The deal includes $1 million guaranteed money with a $1 million signing bonus, giving him an opportunity to prove himself in a new system.

This contract represents a strategic move for both Williams and the Cowboys, as he looks to rebuild his value after recovering from his knee injury while Dallas gains a proven running back with upside potential.

The agreement includes performance incentives, including a $250,000 bonus for reaching 1,250 scrimmage yards and another $250,000 for scoring 12 total touchdowns.

Salary

Williams’s current annual salary with the Cowboys is $3 million, making him one of the mid-tier paid running backs in the NFL. His base salary for 2025 is $1.5 million, supplemented by his signing bonus and potential roster bonuses throughout the season.

This represents a significant increase from his previous earnings, as he earned $1.87 million in his final season with Denver. The structure of his contract allows him to earn additional money through per-game roster bonuses of $29,411, rewarding him for staying healthy and contributing to the team’s success.

Career Earnings

Career Statistics

FAQs

1. What is Javonte Williams’s current team?

Williams currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys after signing a one-year contract in March 2025, leaving the Denver Broncos where he spent his first four NFL seasons.

2. How much money has Williams made in his NFL career?

Williams has earned approximately $11.87 million throughout his NFL career, including his rookie contract with Denver and his current deal with Dallas.

3. What injury did Williams suffer?

He suffered a devastating knee injury against the Las Vegas Raiders, tearing his ACL, LCL, and posterolateral corner, which ended his 2022 season after just four games.

4. What is Williams’s involvement in charity work?

Williams founded The Javonte Williams Foundation, which focuses on helping youth in foster care systems by providing essential resources and life-changing experiences, inspired by his family’s experience as foster parents.

5. What college records did Williams set at North Carolina?

Williams set single-season program records with 132 points and 22 total touchdowns, while his 1,140 rushing yards ranked as the 13th most in program history.

Cubs Affiliate Overview (June 26–27)

• Triple-A Iowa Cubs
Series vs. Columbus Clippers (Cleveland Guardians): Clippers lead 3-1
Season Record: 40–38

• Double-A Tennessee Smokies
Series vs. Birmingham Barons (Chicago White Sox): Tied 2-2
Season Record: 34-38

• High-A South Bend Cubs
Series at Cedar Rapids Kernels (Minnesota Twins): Lead 3-1
Season Record: 27–46

• Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Series at Columbia Fireflies (Kansas City Royals): Lead 3-1
Season Record: 31–40

Triple-A: Iowa Cubs
Season Record: 40–38
Series Opponent: Columbus Clippers (37–39)
Series Standing: Trail 3-1

June 26: The Iowa Cubs dropped their sixth-straight contest, falling to the Columbus Clippers, 6-5, on Thursday. The Cubs took a 4-3 lead into the ninth but allowed three runs in the top of the frame. Iowa would score one in the bottom of the ninth on a Hayden Cantrelle groundout but would leave the tying run at third. Carlos Pérez (3-for-4) posted his first multi-home run game of the season, launching a solo shot in the fourth before crushing a two-run blast in the eighth. His 16 home runs lead the I-Cubs and rank second in the International League. Jonathan Long also recorded a multi-hit effort, going 2-for-4. Tommy Romero took a no-decision in the start, allowing three runs on six hits over five innings of work, striking out a season-high eight batters.

June 27: The Cubs snapped their six-game losing skid with an emphatic 15-6 victory over the Clippers on Friday. Iowa was led by James Triantos and Kevin Alcántara, who combined to go 6-for-7 with seven runs scored, two doubles, two home runs and seven RBIs. Both players tallied three-hit efforts while also tallying a double and a home run. Seven of the nine Cubs starters recorded a hit in the contest and six drove in at least one run. Alcántara raised his June batting average to .281 and is also posting an OPS of .792 during the month. Brandon Hughes tossed three scoreless innings in relief, allowing just one hit and striking out three.

Double-A: Knoxville Smokies
Season Record: 34–38
Series Opponent: Birmingham Barons (40–33)
Series Standing: Tied 2-2

June 26: The Knoxville Smokies used a five-run first inning to cruise to a 9-3 victory over the Birmingham Barons on Thursday. BJ Murray Jr. (1-for-5) launched a three-run shot in the opening frame with Felix Stevens (2-for-4) and Jordan Nwogu (3-for-3) also adding RBI-base hits in the first. Stevens and Nwogu would combine to drive in three of the four runs scored by the Smokies in the third as the home team raced out to a 9-2 lead. Cayne Ueckert picked up the win in relief, tossing two scoreless frames and allowing just two hits to go along with three strikeouts.

June 27: The Smokies overturned a 4-0 deficit into a 5-4 lead with a five-run eighth inning, but the Barons scored twice in the ninth to hand Knoxville the one-run loss and even the series. The Smokies were held to just three hits in the ballgame, with Pablo Aliendo’s (1-for-4) RBI-single in the ninth appearing to be the decisive one, but they were also able to draw eight walks at the plate.

High-A: South Bend Cubs
Season Record: 27–46
Series Opponent: Cedar Rapids Kernels (42–31)
Series Standing: Lead 3–1

June 26: South Bend and Cedar Rapids had its contest suspended in the top of the third inning, with the Cubs leading 5-0.

June 27: The Cubs and the Kernels split the action on the day, with Cedar Rapids winning the completed suspended contest, 6-5, and South Bend coming away victorious in the nightcap, 12-4.

Game 1: South Bend had its 5-0 lead instantly erased by a five-run frame from Cedar Rapids in the third. The Kernels would plate the go-ahead run in the fifth and would hold the Cubs to just one hit over the next five innings. South Bend rallied in the ninth, with the first two batters reaching safely, but were unable to plate the tying run. Evan Aschenbeck started the ballgame on Thursday and worked two scoreless innings and looked poise to bounce back from a rough outing his last time out. Edgar Alvarez, Cameron Sisneros and Drew Bowser all tallied two-hit efforts in the game.

Game 2: The Cubs bounced back in the nightcap with a dominant 12-4 victory, in seven innings, over the Kernels to take a 3-1 series lead. Cristian Hernandez (1-for-4) put South Bend in front 2-0 in the first with a two-run shot, his fourth of the season. Brian Kalmer (2-for-3) also hit a two-run homer in the second, making it 4-3 Cubs, before South Bend erupted for eight runs in the third. Drew Bowser’s (1-for-3) two-run double made it 7-3 before two more scored on a double by Kalmer. Jefferson Rojas’ (1-for-3) two-run blast, his sixth of the season, capped the frame. Erian Rodriguez picked up the win, allowing four runs, three earned, on five hits over five innings of work, punching out a season-high eight batters.

Single-A: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Season Record: 31–40
Series Opponent: Columbia Fireflies (37–36)
Series Standing: Lead 3-1

June 26: Myrtle Beach was walked off by Columbia on Thursday, 3-2. The Pelicans took the lead in the contest in the second, thanks to a run-scoring balk, and doubled their advantage on Leonel Espinoza’s RBI-groundout in the fifth. The Fireflies evened the contest with runs in the sixth and seventh before scoring again in the ninth to hand Myrtle Beach the loss. Yenrri Rojas took the no-decision in his first quality start of the season, allowing just one run on six hits over six innings of work, striking out two.

June 27: The Pelicans clinched at least a series split with a 4-1 win on Friday over the Fireflies. Dilan Granadillo (1-for-4), Christian Olivo (1-for-4) and Ty Southisene (2-for-5) all tallied RBI-base hits in the seventh to give Myrtle Beach a 3-0 lead, and Yahil Melendez (1-for-3) added some insurance with a sacrifice fly in the eighth to make it 4-1. Jostin Florentino picked up his first-career win at the Single-A level with his first-career quality start at this level as well. He blanked Columbia over six innings of work, allowing just three hits while firing a season-high eight strikeouts.

Interested in learning more about the Chicago Cubs’ top prospects? Check out our comprehensive top prospects list that includes up-to-date stats, articles and videos about every prospect, scouting reports, and more!

View Cubs Top Prospects

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