DETROIT – With one flick of his wrist, Jameson Williams made a mistake that nearly cost the Lions dearly.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) catches a pass during Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI on Thursday Nov. 28, 2024. This game was the annual Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day game. Josh Boland 

The wide receiver made a short catch in the fourth quarter of the Lions’ Thanksgiving win over the Bears and was pushed out of bounds at Chicago’s 29-yard-line.

As Williams ran back onto the field, Chicago defensive back Tyrique Stevenson appeared to say something to him. Williams responded by flipping the ball at Stevenson and hitting him in the face.

The move resulted in a 15-yard penalty on the Lions for taunting. The Lions got back to the Bears’ 26-yard-line on the drive, but Jakes Bates missed a 45-yard field goal to leave Detroit ahead by just 10.

The Bears pulled within three points with a touchdown on the ensuing drive, then nearly tied or won the game before running out of time on an incomplete pass in the Lions’ 23-20 win.

Detroit may have survived the penalty, but Williams still took ownership of a nearly costly mistake.

“We’re trying to win a football game, so those things like that can’t happen,” Williams said after the game. “That’s the main thing.”

Lions coach Dan Campbell said that Williams addressed the team on his own accord after the game and apologized for the mistake.

“That’s big, man,” Campbell said. “That’s growth.”

Lions quarterback Jared Goff said he appreciated how Williams responded to the penalty.

“I know that was a mistake by him, but I’m proud of him the way he handled it,” Goff said. “He stood up and took responsibility. We’ll move on.”

The game seemed to encapsulate Williams‘ hectic three seasons in Detroit, during which he’s shown himself to be a game-breaking talent but one who is prone to mistakes. He’s twice been suspended, for gambling and taking an illegal substance.

Prior to the penalty, Williams recorded five catches for 28 yards, plus two runs for an additional 18 yards. On the Lions’ opening drive, he recorded two third-down catches to help the Lions set up a field goal.

His most impressive play, though, came on a run early in the second half, when he hurdled a Bears defender on a 15-yard end around.

“It’s been something I’ve been trying to do for a couple of weeks now. It’s off the checklist,” said Williams, who ran hurdles in high school.

But he also had two penalties for 30 yards – he was also called for an illegal crackback block.

So how does Williams grow from the experience?

“Don’t do it again,” Williams said.