Ricky Williams is a former American football player who played as a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was born on May 21, 1977, in San Diego, California, and grew up in Texas. Williams started playing football in high school and was a standout player, earning several accolades and awards.
After high school, Williams attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he played college football for the Texas Longhorns. He had a successful college career, setting several records and earning numerous awards, including the Heisman Trophy in 1998, which is awarded to the best player in college football.
In 1999, Williams was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the NFL Draft. He played for the Saints for three seasons, from 1999 to 2001, and had a solid start to his professional career. However, he was traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2002, where he had his best season as a pro. He rushed for 1,853 yards and 16 touchdowns, earning him the NFL rushing title and the Pro Bowl MVP award.
Williams played for the Dolphins for two more seasons before abruptly retiring from football in 2004. He cited personal reasons for his retirement, including a desire to travel and explore other interests. However, he returned to the NFL in 2005, signing with the Dolphins again. He played for the team for one more season before being traded to the Baltimore Ravens in 2006.
Williams played for the Ravens for one season before being released and signing with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2007. He played for the Argonauts for one season before returning to the NFL in 2008, signing with the Dolphins for a third time.
Williams played for the Dolphins for two more seasons before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010. He played for the Eagles for one season before retiring from football for good in 2011.
Throughout his career, Williams was known for his unique personality and unconventional approach to football. He was a vegetarian and practiced yoga, which was unusual for a football player at the time. He also struggled with substance abuse and was suspended by the NFL multiple times for violating the league's drug policy.
Despite his off-field issues, Williams was a talented player who had a successful career in the NFL. He rushed for over 10,000 yards and scored 74 touchdowns in his career, earning him a place in the Dolphins' Ring of Honor. He was also named to the Pro Bowl twice and was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2002.
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