Collected Wisdom: Steve 'Dr. Death' Williams

By Matt Patterson

Published: February 10, 2008

Steve "Dr. Death” Williams is happy to be alive these days. The former University of Oklahoma wrestler and football player has battled life in the professional ring and all its physical demands, not to mention a battle with throat cancer that has left Williams alive, but scarred.

Williams was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2004 and had surgery later that year. He was declared cancer free in 2005. He still has some difficulty speaking, but he makes do.

In 2006, Williams returned to the ring for a World Wrestling Entertainment event in Louisiana.

Williams is still wrestling today, albeit on smaller stages on the independent circuit. Williams also wrote a book entitled "How Dr. Death Became Dr. Life”. He returned to OU in January as part of an alumni event.

It's amazing to be back here where there were so many great memories. This is family. It's always great to be back with family. This university is special, and there's only one place to be and that's here.

Cancer is devastating. It's sad so many other people have to go through it. It brought me to know my own family. They were there all the time for me. So many people really showed that they care and love me. It was a great feeling deep down to have that support while I fought this disease.

I enjoyed writing my book. I give God all the glory for that. When I wrestle, I give the testimony of my life good and bad. It's the same with the book. There are some people who don't like it, and some who do. But it's about me, and I'm glad to put it out there.

College wrestling has changed so much over the years. I remember when the two heavyweights going at it were like big bulls. It's different now, they're smaller. But if you go all the way back, it's down to the same game, who wins and who loses. It's one on one. There's nothing like it.

I praise God every day. If it weren't for the peace and guidance he gave me, I wouldn't be here today. You have to surrender yourself to God, and after you do that, everything will be OK. It took me some time in life to learn that, but I have now and I'm better for it.

My favorite memories here are all the Bedlam matches and anytime we played Texas. Every game was incredible. There was nothing like it to win it or even lose it. Bedlam-wise, I remember getting bit in the face a few times. That was the only way they could win.

I'm still wrestling some. I still love it. I wrestle and minister. If churches want to have me come and put my testimony out there, and what God has taught me, I do it. It's rewarding to give something back.

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