Heart of Midlothian is delighted to confirm the signing of American striker JJ Williams from USL Championship side Rhode Island FC for an undisclosed fee.
The 28-year-old has agreed a two-year deal at Tynecastle Park, subject to international clearance and Scottish FA approval.
A towering 6’4” striker, JJ arrives in Gorgie with a wealth of experience across the American game, having amassed more than 200 professional appearances, 69 goals and 36 assists during his career.
Powerful and hard-working, JJ combines physical presence with technical ability, posing a threat inside the opposition’s box, while also being adept at bringing his teammates into play deep inside the final third.
Born in New Mexico and raised in Alabama, JJ shattered records for goal contributions during his high school years before scooping numerous accolades playing college soccer.
He was drafted to MLS side Columbus Crew in 2019, making his professional debut that same year, before a move to fellow MLS outfit Atlanta United a year later.
It was in the USL Championship – the second tier of American football – with Brimingham Legion where JJ began to hit the goal trail, as he did with FC Tulsa and Pheonix Rising before arriving at Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2023.
His season in Florida saw a return of 12 goals and nine assists as JJ helped the Rowdies to a second-place finish in the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference, although they would go on to lose in the play-offs.
2024 saw JJ on the move to fellow USL Championship side Rhode Island. 12 goals and nine assists in his first campaign helped RIFC win the Eastern Conference Final, but they would suffer defeat in the USL Championship Game finale.
To date JJ has 30 strikes to his name in a Rhode Island shirt, with 13 assists giving him a total of 43 goal contributions in 79.
JJ now makes the journey across the water to call Gorgie his home, being assigned the number 9 jersey at Tynecastle Park.
