There’s something delightfully unexpected about watching a hard-hitting linebacker trade cleats for cowboy boots and shoulder pads for a riding helmet. That’s exactly what Georgia Bulldogs football star Justin Williams did in the latest episode of the Dawg and Pony Show, presented by Boots Etc., as he stepped far outside his comfort zone to learn the basics of horse riding from none other than Georgia Equestrian standout Tessa Downey.
This unlikely pairing turned out to be more than just entertaining — it was revealing, endearing, and downright impressive.
Williams, a top defensive recruit known for his explosiveness, speed, and relentless energy on the football field, admitted before the episode that he had absolutely no prior experience with horses. Raised in a world dominated by turf and weight rooms, he joked that the only horses he’d ever encountered were the mascots on video games. That would soon change, thanks to Downey, one of the top riders on the Georgia equestrian team.
From the moment the episode kicked off, it was clear that this would be no ordinary ride. Downey, poised and patient, greeted Williams at the UGA Equestrian Complex with the calm assurance of someone who’s spent most of her life around horses — and maybe a few nervous beginners. Williams arrived with a mix of bravado and unease, humorously inspecting his boots and poking fun at his own lack of cowboy credentials.
Downey, however, had a plan. Step one: respect the horse. “They can feel your energy,” she explained to Williams while introducing him to his horse for the day — a calm, steady gelding named Duke. “If you’re nervous, they’ll pick up on it. If you’re confident and kind, they’ll trust you.”
That idea seemed to resonate with Williams. Used to intimidating offensive linemen and running backs, he now faced a very different kind of teammate — one that weighed over a thousand pounds and didn’t respond to trash talk.
What followed was a fascinating role reversal. Downey took the reins, figuratively and literally, teaching Williams how to approach, groom, saddle, and mount Duke. Step by step, the linebacker known for flying downhill into ball carriers learned to slow down, move gently, and pay attention to detail.
It wasn’t without hiccups. At one point, Williams struggled to get his stirrups adjusted correctly, drawing a few laughs from the equestrian team onlookers. “It’s harder than it looks!” he exclaimed, sweat beading on his forehead — though whether from the Georgia heat or the concentration required, it was hard to tell.
Downey remained an encouraging guide throughout. Her quiet confidence seemed to settle both the horse and the linebacker. She explained the rhythm of horse movement, the subtle balance of reins and leg pressure, and the importance of staying centered — lessons that, surprisingly, didn’t sound all that different from football fundamentals.
“There’s a connection between rider and horse that you can’t fake,” Downey told Williams. “Just like football — you and your teammates have to trust each other, or it all falls apart.”
That comparison seemed to strike a chord. As the session progressed, Williams began to find a rhythm. His natural athleticism kicked in, and while his form was far from perfect, he was soon trotting around the ring with something close to grace. The linebacker cracked a huge smile as he guided Duke through a few basic exercises, clearly enjoying himself more than he’d expected.
“I didn’t know I had it in me,” Williams laughed. “There’s a little farm in me after all.”
It was a genuine moment of discovery — one that captured the essence of the Dawg and Pony Show. The series, a cross-sport collaboration designed to showcase the personalities of Georgia athletes in fun and unconventional settings, has had its share of entertaining pairings. But this episode felt particularly authentic, blending humor, vulnerability, and unexpected growth.
Downey, for her part, was impressed. “He really listened,” she said afterward. “A lot of people try to muscle their way through it, but Justin took the time to learn. That’s not easy.”
Their rapport was undeniable. At one point, Downey challenged Williams to a “style off,” playfully critiquing his posture while he attempted to imitate her rider’s form. He responded by poking fun at equestrian jargon, calling the reins “horse handles” and asking when he’d get to do “donuts” like in a car.
But beneath the jokes was a real sense of mutual respect. Williams admired Downey’s precision and control, while she appreciated his willingness to be coached in an unfamiliar setting.
By the end of the episode, there was something symbolic about seeing a football star and an equestrian rider walking side-by-side, leading Duke back to the stable. It was a small but meaningful reminder that greatness comes in many forms — and that humility, curiosity, and a willingness to try something new can bridge even the widest of gaps between sports.
Boots Etc., the sponsor of the show, couldn’t have asked for a better brand ambassador moment. Williams’ transformation from linebacker to (almost) cowboy captured the spirit of adventure and Southern charm that the company embodies. The boots, once stiff and foreign on his feet, now seemed to suit him — if not quite naturally, then at least comfortably.
As the show wrapped, Williams reflected on the experience. “I came here thinking this would be a joke, something funny for the cameras,” he admitted. “But I learned a lot. About horses, about focus, and honestly — about myself. I’ve got a whole new respect for what Tessa and the equestrian team do. It’s real athleticism, real discipline.”
That kind of insight is exactly what the Dawg and Pony Show hopes to inspire. In a college sports landscape that often keeps athletes siloed within their own worlds, the series is a breath of fresh air — reminding fans and players alike that there’s value in stepping outside the playbook.
For Downey, the experience was just as rewarding. “It’s nice to share our world with people who wouldn’t normally see it,” she said. “Equestrian sports don’t always get the spotlight. But to have someone like Justin take it seriously and enjoy it — that means a lot.”
The final shot of the episode showed Williams tossing a football to Downey, who caught it with surprising ease. “Hey, you ever thought about switching sports?” he joked. She grinned. “Only if you promise to go to Nationals with us next year.”
It was a fitting end to an episode full of lightheartedness, learning, and just enough hay dust to keep things grounded. As Justin Williams rode off — slowly, steadily — into the Georgia sunset, fans got a glimpse of a different kind of Bulldog: one who isn’t afraid to explore the pastures beyond the gridiron.
And who knows? Maybe there is a little farm in him after all.
