Jamaal Williams had to run through a substantial number of the Indianapolis Colts' defenders to reach the end zone.
When he got there, he reacted the way you'd expect from a Lion – and from an emotional running back who plays for the Detroit Lions and loves the game of football.
Williams let out a series of roars, with his hands raised.
Why the emotion – especially in the second joint practice with the Colts two days before the teams meet in a preseason game Saturday afternoon?
"I'm just getting ready for the season," Williams said. "Let people know ... I'm getting in the end zone. That's it. They aren't going to stop me.
"I like the competition. I'd much rather be playing gameday. Get that in. Call it a day. But this is great."
Williams' role as a backup with the Lions is stronger than most players in similar situations. He is an inspiring leader, as he was for four seasons with the Green Bay Packers before signing with the Lions as a free agent in 2021.
He led the Lions in rushing with a career high of 601 yards despite missing four games with injuries.
In addition to the TD run, he had a long gain early in practice on a run down the right sideline.
Plainly, Williams loves football and a lot of the elements that go with it besides gameday in the regular season. That's apparent when you watch him play catch with fans in the stands before going out on the field for pregame warmup.
Preseason practices with another team are something he accepts as part of getting ready to play games that count in the standings.
"It felt good to be out there and get that competition in," Williams said. "And really, just to show what we're about during practice. You can tell our energy about each other.
"It's great to go against another team and show that energy to them, and show them how we practice."
View photos from Day 2 of Lions-Colts joint practice on Thursday August 18, 2022.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) and Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus (87) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) and Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah (1) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Tracy Walker (21) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amani Oruwariye (24) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds (8) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions guard Jonah Jackson (73) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver DJ Chark (4), Detroit Lions cornerback Saivion Smith (19), Detroit Lions tight end Devin Funchess (13) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Saivion Smith (19) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) and Detroit Lions kicker Riley Patterson (6) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor (62), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54), and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs (98) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
A joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Josh Woods (51) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah (1) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs (98) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) and Detroit Lions Wide Receivers Coach Antwaan Randle El during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (57) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah (1) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions kicker Riley Patterson (6) and Detroit Lions long snapper Scott Daly (47) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Saivion Smith (19) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) and Detroit Lions Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs Coach Duce Staley during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus (87) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety JuJu Hughes (33) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs Coach Duce Staley and Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety DeShon Elliott (5) and Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah (1) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs Coach Duce Staley during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions kicker Austin Seibert (19) and Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor (62) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Michael Brockers (90) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (15) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Trinity Benson (17) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Austin Bryant (2) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Trinity Benson (17) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions kicker Riley Patterson (6) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (15) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Trinity Benson (17) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end James Mitchell (82) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Derrick Deese Jr. (48) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (15) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Mark Gilbert (29) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Will Harris (25) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah (1) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Tracy Walker (21) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Defensive Backs Coach/Pass Game Coordinator Aubrey Pleasant during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Justin Jackson (42) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs (98) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) and Detroit Lions running back Godwin Igwebuike (35) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Saivion Smith (19) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (15), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Trinity Benson (17) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Austin Bryant (2) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Obinna Eze (65) and Detroit Lions tackle Darrin Paulo (66) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 18, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
The Lions' offense wasn't as productive or as sharp on Thursday as they were in Wednesday's first practice against the Colts. Williams saw some good in Thursday's practice, even if it wasn't as good as Wednesday's.
"We were moving," he said. "We were running. There were just some plays that didn't go, or we miscommunicated on. Our fault. Our mistakes. We dropped the ball. We didn't run a right route.
"Other than that, we were moving. We brought the energy."
