ricky williams injury

Ricky Williams
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For the former Indianapolis Colts running back, see Ricky Antwan Williams.
Ricky Williams
Williams before the 2005 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game
Miami Dolphins ― No. 34
Running back
Date of Birth: May 21, 1977 (1977-05-21) (age 30)
Place of Birth: San Diego, California
Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) Weight: 226 lb (103 kg)
National Football League Debut
1999 for the New Orleans Saints
Career Highlights and Awards
2x Doak Walker Award (1997, 1998)
Walter Camp Award (1998)
Maxwell Award (1998)
Heisman Trophy (1998)
Pro Bowl selection (2002)
Pro Bowl MVP (2002)

Career History
College: Texas
NFL Draft: 1999 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5
Teams:

New Orleans Saints (1999-2001)
Miami Dolphins (2002-2003, 2005)
Toronto Argonauts (2006)
Miami Dolphins (2007-present)

Stats at NFL.com
Errick Lynne Williams, Jr. (born May 21, 1977 in San Diego, California) is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints fifth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas.

Contents
1 Early life
2 College career
3 Professional career
3.1 Early NFL career
3.2 Early retirement from football
3.3 Return to football
3.4 Canadian Football League
3.5 Second return
3.5.1 Timeline and rumors
4 Trivia
5 References
6 Further reading
7 External links



[edit] Early life
Williams was born, along with his twin sister Cassandra, in San Diego, California. Williams was born to relatively young parents, who ultimately separated when Williams was six years old. Although the mother was awarded custody of Williams and his siblings, Williams still has a close bond with his father.[1] In San Diego's Patrick Henry High School, Williams primarily played baseball and football, but also ran track and wrestled. On the football field, Williams gained 2,099 yards and scored 25 touchdowns. He was named "Offensive Player of the Year" by the San Diego Union-Tribune.[2]


[edit] College career
Williams was selected out of Patrick Henry High School in the 8th round of the 1995 baseball amateur draft by the Philadelphia Phillies, and played four years at the Class 'A' level with the Batavia Muckdogs of Batavia, New York. He was then taken in the 1998 Rule 5 draft by the Montreal Expos, who sold his rights to the Texas Rangers. He played college football for the University of Texas at Austin and backed up future-Chiefs running back, Priest Holmes. Williams took over the starting job at UT when Holmes graduated. Williams holds or shares 20 NCAA records, and became the NCAA Division I-A career rushing leader in 1998 with 6,279 yards (broken one year later by University of Wisconsin-Madison's Ron Dayne). He also broke the NCAA Division I-A career rushing touchdowns and career scoring records in 1998 with 73 and 452 respectively (topped one year later by Miami University's Travis Prentice), and rushed for 200 or more yards in twelve different games (an NCAA record he shares with Dayne and USC's Marcus Allen). Williams won the 64th Heisman Trophy, becoming the second Texas Longhorn to win this honor, joining Earl Campbell. Williams was sometimes known as the "Texas Tornado."[3]


[edit] Professional career

[edit] Early NFL career
Williams was selected as the fifth pick of the 1999 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. Head coach Mike Ditka traded all of the Saints' 1999 draft picks to get Williams, as well as a 1st and 3rd pick the following year. This was the first time one player was the only draft pick of an NFL team. Williams and Ditka posed for the cover of ESPN The Magazine as a bride and a groom with the heading "For Better or for Worse." Rapper Master P's (a.k.a. Percy Miller's) organization No Limit Sports negotiated his contract, which was largely incentive-laden in exchange for an $8M-plus signing bonus with salary incentives worth a range of $11 million to $68 million should he hit all of his incentives, with most of them requiring higher than top-level production to attain. Williams later made Leigh Steinberg his agent. Ditka was later fired for the team's poor performance, and Williams was traded after 3 seasons to the Miami Dolphins on March 8, 2002 for two first-round picks. In his first season with the Dolphins, he was the NFL's leading rusher and a Pro Bowler with 1,853 yards.

Williams was noted for his dreadlocks, but shaved them off during a solo trip to Australia. His shyness also makes Williams somewhat of an odd ball. "Ricky's just a different guy," former Saints receiver Joe Horn explained. "People he wanted to deal with, he did. And people he wanted to have nothing to do with, he didn't. No one could understand that. I don't think guys in the locker room could grasp that he wanted to be to himself, you know, quiet. If you didn't understand him and didn't know what he was about, it always kept people in suspense." Besides keeping to himself, Williams was also known for conducting post-game interviews with his helmet (which included a tinted visor) on and avoiding eye contact. Williams was later diagnosed with depression and social anxiety disorder.[citation needed]


[edit] Early retirement from football
It was announced on May 14, 2004 that he tested positive for marijuana in December 2003 and faced a $650,000 fine and a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. He previously tested positive for marijuana shortly after he joined the Dolphins, along with former punter Andrew Tomasjewski. Shortly before training camp was to begin in July 2004, Williams publicly disclosed his intent to retire from professional football.

Rumored to have failed a third drug test before announcing his retirement, Williams made his retirement official on August 2, 2004, was ineligible to play for the 2004 season, and studied Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of holistic medicine at the California College of Ayurveda that autumn in Grass Valley, California.

During that year he retired, the Miami Dolphins finished the season in second to last place with a 4-12 record and the second pick of the 2005 NFL Draft, in which they would select Williams' successor Ronnie Brown. This was one of the events of the final year of Dave Wannstedt's coaching tenure before his resignation.

Williams maintains that he doesn't regret the retirement decision. He feels that it was the "most positive thing" he has ever done in his life, allowing him time to find himself.[4]


[edit] Return to football
Williams officially returned to the Dolphins on July 24, 2005, paid back a percentage of his signing bonus and completed his four game suspension for substance abuse. At his return press conference, Williams expressed his apologies for leaving the team two days before the start of training camp, which had contributed to the Dolphins' having their worst season in years, only winning 4 games in the 2004 season. Williams finished with six touchdowns and a 4.4 yards per carry average on 168 carries and 743 yards during 2005. While he shared time with Brown, he did have 172 yards in week 16, and 108 yards in week 17.

On February 20, 2006, it was announced that Williams had violated the NFL drug policy for the fourth time. His mother reportedly said she doesn't think it was another marijuana violation and that he may have been in India when he was supposed to be tested. Nevertheless, on April 25, 2006, Williams was suspended for the entire 2006 season for testing positive for a drug other than marijuana. It has been suggested that the substance may have been an herb related to his interest in holistic medicine.[5]

He returned again on November 26, 2007 on Monday Night Football for the Dolphins eleventh game of the year against the Pittsbergh Steelers where he had 6 carries for 15 yards before suffering a chest injury and leaving the 3-0 loss to the Steelers. The injury ended his season after just the one game.


[edit] Canadian Football League

Williams shared the backfield with incumbent starting running back for the Toronto Argonauts John Avery during the 2006 CFL season.With Williams suspended for the entire 2006 NFL season, the CFL's Toronto Argonauts decided to put Williams on the negotiation list for the 2006 season.[6] This guaranteed that the team would become the rightful CFL organization to negotiate with Williams if his NFL contract be terminated at any point in time.[7] The Dolphins allowed Williams to play for the Argonauts on the condition that he would return to them in 2007.[8]

On May 28, 2006 Williams became the highest paid running back in the CFL when he signed a one-year C$240,000 contract with the Argonauts. He chose to wear the number 27 on his jersey.[9]

The signing drew the fire of former Argonauts quarterback Joe Theismann. On May 30, 2006, Theismann was interviewed by Toronto radio station The Fan 590 whereupon he criticized the Argonauts for signing the suspended Williams. Theismann claimed he was disgraced to be associated with a team that would knowingly sign "an addict" such as Williams. The CFL has no substance-abuse policy currently in place, nor did it prohibit its teams from signing players suspended from other leagues, despite Williams being under contract with the Dolphins for the 2006 season[10].

Argo ownership responded to Theismann's criticism, noting Theismann's son, Joe, pleaded guilty in 2002 to a felony charge of possessing drug paraphernalia. He received a 10-year suspended prison term, was placed on five years of probation and fined. "It's really a delicate subject for him to attack someone if he has that in his own family," Argo co-owner Cynamon said. "If I was his son and he's calling (Williams) a drug addict and he should quit and he's a loser, I'd be shattered. This thing is really bothersome."[11]

Williams made his official CFL debut on June 17, 2006 in a home game against the Tiger-Cats at the Rogers Centre. In that game, he rushed for 97 yards on 18 carries, with his longest carry for 35 yards in the fourth quarter. Williams also caught two passes for 24 yards as the Argonauts defeated the Tiger-Cats by a score of 27-17.

On July 22, 2006, Williams suffered a broken bone in his left arm during a game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Regina, Saskatchewan.[12] He underwent surgery on July 23, 2006 to repair the broken bone.[13] Shortly after injuring his arm, Williams' suffered yet another injury after a door at the Argonauts' practice facility swung behind him and clipped the running back on his left achilles tendon requiring 16 stitches to close the gash.[14] During his recovery, Williams received hyperbaric oxygen therapy in St. Catharines, Ontario to expedite his return from injury.[15] In all, Williams missed two months of game action because of the injuries, returning on September 23, 2006 against the Calgary Stampeders.

In the 11 games that he played during 2006 CFL regular season, Williams rushed 109 times for 526 yards, scoring 2 TDs and his longest run was 35 yards. He also caught 19 passes for 127 yards.[16]

Williams stated his love for Toronto and mentioned the possibility of returning to the Canadian game during his professional career. "I was thinking it wouldn't be bad to come back up here and kind of follow the same steps as Pinner -- play here a couple years and maybe get a chance to coach up here," Williams said. "Because I really like Toronto, I really like this organization ... you can live here, you know? You feel like you have a life. I come to work, I go home, play with my kid, walk to the store. It's really nice. I get to teach. It's wonderful here."[17] In another interview, he expressed further desire to remain in the CFL, "If I came back here, you can put me anywhere," he says. "Up here, I can play offense, defense, special teams. I can do everything. I can block, play tight end, running back, receiver ― even play the line. The NFL is so structured ― 'You do this.' Here I can do so much."[18]

The controversy over the Argonauts signing Williams prompted outgoing CFL commissioner Tom Wright, in his final state of the league address, to introduce a new rule that would come in effect before the start of the 2007 CFL season that would prevent a player under suspension in the NFL from signing with a CFL club. This rule has been informally known as "The Ricky Williams Rule."

The new rule, however, will be grandfathered so that players still playing in the league, such as Argonaut tackle Bernard Williams, who was also suspended by the NFL for drug abuse and did not seek reinstatement when the ban ended, can continue playing.[19][20]


[edit] Second return
Williams adhered to a strict regimen of multiple drug tests per week in 2007 as part of his attempt to be reinstated by the NFL. He also practiced yoga, which, he claimed, helped him to stop using marijuana[21]. In October 2007, Roger Goodell granted his request for reinstatement. Williams returned for a Monday Night Football Game on November 26, 2007. He rushed 6 times for 15 yards before injuring his right shoulder. The next day it was reported that he would miss the rest of the season, although he expects to be ready for the 2008 season.[22]


[edit] Timeline and rumors
On April 19, 2007, St. Louis Rams coach Scott Linehan said that he would consider acquiring Williams as a backup to Steven Jackson. "He's proven himself with me" said Linehan, who coached him as an offensive coordinator in 2005 with the Dolphins. There is no word on whether the Dolphins will pursue tampering charges against the Rams, as it is against NFL rules to discuss players under contract with another team.[23]

On May 11, 2007, an anonymous source reported that Williams had failed a drug test again. The source indicated that NFL medical advisors have recommended to the commissioner that Williams not be allowed to apply for reinstatement in September.[24]

The NFL has made no comment, nor have the Miami Dolphins. Williams did make a comment: "Due to the recent reports about me failing a drug test, I feel it is appropriate for me to issue this statement," Williams said. "Last month, following a psychological evaluation requested by the NFL, we ― the psychiatrist and I ― came to the realization that there were a few things I needed to iron out about myself in order to make my return to the NFL as successful as possible.

"I am an honest, God-fearing man who is intensely dedicated to being the best person I can be on and off the football field. There is no need to smear my name or to defame my character for the sake of news. When the time is right, God willing, I will be back on the field scoring touchdowns for whatever team is fortunate enough to believe in me.

"I appreciate all the support I have received from my fans," Williams said, "and I assure all others that I am strong, clean, and happily preparing myself for a triumphant return to the NFL."[24]

Williams applied for reinstatement in the NFL on October 1, 2007. [25] ESPN News announced on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 that Ricky Williams will be reinstated into the NFL. Williams is allowed to practice with his team, but he will not be eligible to play in a game until Week 12 of the 2007 NFL season.

On November 26, 2007, the Miami Dolphins activated Ricky Williams to their active roster. He played in Miami's Week 12 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football. Williams split time with RB Jesse Chatman in his first game back, and did not receive the start. [26] Due to the wet conditions and a well placed hit by James Harrison (football player), Williams fumbled on a third down attempt. Williams returned to the locker room during the 2nd Quarter with a shoulder injury incurred after Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons stepped on his shoulder in pursuit of the Williams fumble. He did not return to the game which the Dolphins lost 0-3 in the lowest scoring game in Monday Night Football History. [27] Williams later quit Paxil saying the drug didn't agree with his diet.

Williams said marijuana had been a better treatment since it produced fewer side effects (than Paxil).[28] In an interview with ESPN, Williams stated, "Marijuana is 10 times better for me than Paxil."

Williams admitted in a 60 Minutes interview that one of the main reasons for his retirement was to avoid the humiliation of his marijuana use being made public (with his third failed drug test).[29] After his retirement he quickly went to California to get a prescription for medical marijuana (which he had no problem securing). In 2006 he claimed he no longer needs marijuana but doesn't criticize others' choices on the matter.[30] In April 2007, however, he reportedly tested positive for marijuana.[24]

Williams is a qualified yoga instructor. He has stated that one of his main reasons for joining the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts was for the opportunity to teach free yoga lessons at a local Toronto yoga facility.

Williams has five children. Williams is a vegan, and a supporter of PETA[31]

So much for Ricky Williams making an impact upon his return to the NFL. The only splash the beleaguered running back made on his newest stint in the NFL was crashing into a few puddles on the Heinz Field quagmire Monday night in Pittsburgh. Williams, reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell earlier this month, carried the ball six times in his first action since 2005. Apparently, those are all the carries Williams will see this season after Williams reportedly suffered a torn chest muscle after getting stepped on by Steelers LB Lawrence Timmons.

The PFW spin

The Dolphins just can't seem to catch a break. First, star RB Ronnie Brown goes does with a torn ACL in Week Seven vs. the Patriots. Then, Williams is granted another chance by Goodell only to see his season end in his first game back.

Seeing as how the Dolphins are mired in an 0-11 tailspin and well are on their way to one of the worst seasons in NFL history, Williams initially gave them some much-needed hope that he could help them win a game. He was supposedly in top shape, and was being looked on as the potential missing ingredient to earn them a victory. Making matters even worse is that starter Jesse Chatman went down with what initially appeared to be a significant neck injury in the game. If he proves unable to play, the Dolphins' offensive backfield will be comprised of rookie John Beck at quarterback, and second-year pro Patrick Cobbs and rookie Lorenzo Booker at running back. Cobbs and Booker have combined for 15 carries in their NFL careers.

But for as much as this latest setback hurts the Dolphins in '07, Williams really didn't seem to factor much into the team's long term plans. His checkered past stands in opposition to head coach Cam Cameron's insistence on having high-character players, and he was viewed as nothing more than a temporary fix for their woes. Even though he may very well have to sit out the first few weeks of the '08 season, Brown should be back for the majority of the season, and Williams was a long shot to remain on Miami's roster anyway.

What Miami was ideally hoping for was to showcase enough of Williams' skills in the last few games to render him an attractive piece of trade bait to another team this offseason. The Dolphins' already have San Diego's second-round pick in April's draft courtesy of the Chris Chambers trade, and they were hoping to secure another third- or fourth-rounder for Williams. Now that Williams is gone, his character and durability concerns make it highly unlikely another team will part with even a mid-level draft pick for the rights to him. The most likely scenario at this point is that the Dolphins will cut him at season's end.

Our fantasy take

Williams' injury coupled with Chatman's means that Cobbs, amazingly, is a viable fantasy option. The Dolphins' O-line has done a nice job opening holes in the running game this season, and Cobbs is a very legitimate option against middling defenses like the Jets, who rank 30th in run defense. Much like Kolby Smith in Kansas City, Cobbs is an average talent who could prosper based on circumstance