I was saddened to hear of the death of Chief Zee, as I’m sure many of you were. He was an incredible fan. A Super Fan. I didn’t know him personally, but had met him many times and felt as though I did. As I’m sure many of you did.
There aren’t many Redskins fans that don’t know who Chief Zee is, if they’ve ever been near a Redskins game or event. After all, they probably had their picture taken with him. He was just one of the nicest and most approachable men that you could ever meet, and I never saw him deny a request to anybody. Always with open arms, and a warm and welcoming smile.
Zema Williams was his proper name, and burgundy and gold blood coarsed through this man’s veins for decades. He was an institution. The headdress wearing and tomahawk waving began way back in 1978 in a Monday Night Football match-up with the rival Dallas Cowboys. He missed very few games since then. Even when Eagles fans broke his leg at the old Veterans Stadium in an altercation in 1983, they couldn’t keep him down – couldn’t even keep him out of the Vet.
Because he truly was a Super Fan.
The team issued the following official statement, “The Washington Redskins will always appreciate Zema Williams’ unique passion and dedication to our football team and his fellow Washington Redskins fans.”
According to multiple sources, Zema Williams went peacefully in his sleep. He was 75-years old.
Rest in Peace Sir. Your fandom was an inspiration to us all. Thank you for touching our lives.
All Hail Chief Zee.
May he rest in peace.