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Commanders’ James Smith-Williams talks dogs, NC Wolfpack

By Matt Verderame

Jul 28, 2022; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders defensive end James Smith-Williams (96) walks to the field during day two of training camp at The Park in Ashburn. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2022; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders defensive end James Smith-Williams (96) walks to the field during day two of training camp at The Park in Ashburn. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Commanders defensive lineman James Smith-Williams stopped by to talk turning it around, his NC State Wolfpack and more.

James Smith-Williams loves football and Luna.

One is obvious every Sunday. The other is a 50-pound rescue dog waiting for Smith-Williams when he gets back from work.

Smith-Williams is showing his passion for both these days, as he stopped by FanSided’s Stacking The Box Podcast with Matt Verderame to speak about the latest project he’s working on, Purina’s Purple Leash Project.

Williams spoke about the initiative and what it means to him.

James Smith-Williams talks Commanders, N.C. State Wolfpack and Purina project

“It’s a joint venture between RedRover and Purina, to address the fact only 15 percent of domestic violence shelters accept pets,” Smith-Williams said. “A lot of people are staying in their situations because they have nowhere to go with their pets. They’re working together to address that, and make sure there are more domestic violence shelters that are pet-friendly as well.”

On the football field, Smith-Williams is hoping to help Washington turn its season around. After starting the campaign with a home win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Commanders have fallen to the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, dropping three games off the pace in the NFC East.

However, Smith-Williams’ alma mater, the North Carolina State Wolfpack, are enjoying a fine season. NC State is 4-1 and although its coming off a tough loss to the No. 5 Clemson Tigers, the Wolfpack are ranked 14th in the nation and could go on a nice run, only facing two ranked teams — both ranked lower — the rest of the regular season.

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