Ricky Williams Biography

Ricky Williams, born May 21, 1977, is an American former professional football running back who played in the National Football League for 11 seasons. He played college football for the Texas Longhorns, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1998 after setting NCAA Division I-A records for career rushing and all-purpose yards. The New Orleans Saints chose Ricky Williams fifth overall in the 1999 NFL draft, using their first-round selection. During his first season with the Dolphins, Williams led the league in rushing yards, earning Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors. Williams retired in 2004 amid multiple failed drug tests, but returned to the Dolphins the following season. Following seven nonconsecutive seasons with the Dolphins, he played his last season in 2011 with the Baltimore Ravens. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015.