Ricky Williams

Ricky Williams2

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Ricky Williams

Ricky Williams (born May 21, 1977) is a former American football running back who played 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Texas, where he was a two-time All-American and won the Heisman Trophy in 1998. Williams was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the fifth overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. During his professional career, he also played for the Miami Dolphins and the Baltimore Ravens. Williams is known for his unique playing style, versatility on the field, and his controversial career marked by temporary retirements and issues related to the NFL's drug policy.

Early Life and College Career

Ricky Williams was born in San Diego, California. He attended Patrick Henry High School, where he excelled in football, baseball, and track. Williams then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he played for the Texas Longhorns football team from 1995 to 1998. During his time at Texas, Williams broke numerous records, including the NCAA Division I-A record for career rushing yards, which he held until it was broken by Ron Dayne. Williams' outstanding performance in 1998 earned him the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding player in college football.

Professional Career

Williams entered the 1999 NFL Draft and was selected as the fifth overall pick by the New Orleans Saints. The Saints' head coach, Mike Ditka, traded all of the team's 1999 draft picks to select Williams. This move was highly criticized at the time. Williams played for the Saints for three seasons before being traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2002. In Miami, Williams had his most productive seasons, leading the NFL in rushing yards in the 2002 season. However, his career was interrupted in 2004 when he announced his retirement from football, citing a desire to find himself and study Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine.

Williams returned to the Dolphins in 2005 but was suspended for the 2006 season after violating the NFL's drug policy. He played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Toronto Argonauts during his suspension. Williams returned to the NFL in 2007 and played for the Dolphins until 2010. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2011, where he played for one season before retiring from professional football in 2012.

Legacy and Controversies

Ricky Williams' NFL career was marked by his incredible talent on the field and his controversies off it. His early retirement, suspensions for drug use, and candid discussions about mental health were ahead of their time in the sports world. Williams has been open about his struggles with social anxiety disorder and depression, which influenced his decisions throughout his career.

After retiring from football, Williams has been involved in various ventures, including his advocacy for cannabis reform and his work in holistic medicine. He has also pursued a career in sports broadcasting and coaching.

Personal Life

Ricky Williams is known for his philosophical outlook and interest in alternative medicine. He has studied Ayurveda and has been a vocal advocate for the medicinal use of cannabis, citing its benefits for physical and mental health.

See Also

• List of college football yearly rushing leaders
• List of NCAA major college football yearly scoring leaders

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