GameTavern - Report: Dolphins RB Ricky Williams retires

Quote:

MIAMI (Ticker) - Ricky Williams apparently is keeping with his personality.

The Miami Herald reported on its website Saturday night that Williams, the unpredictable running back of the Miami Dolphins, has told the team that he is retiring.

It would prove shocking should Williams decide to go through with retirement since he is just 27 and two seasons removed from winning the NFL rushing title.

"I'm finally free," Williams told the newspaper by cell phone from Hawaii. "I can't remember ever being this happy."

According to the report, Williams had been contemplating retirement for months and he informed coach Dave Wannstedt of his decision on Friday night.

Known for his interesting and complex nature off the field and for his dreadlocks on it, Williams has rushed for 6,354 yards in five seasons since being picked fifth overall by the New Orleans Saints in 1999. The Saints traded eight picks to the Washington Redskins for the right to select the former Heisman Trophy winner.

"I just don't want to be in this business anymore," Williams told the paper. "I was never strong enough to not play football, but I'm strong enough now. I've considered everything about this. Everyone has thrown every possible scenario at me about why I shouldn't do this, but they're in denial. I'm happy with my decision."

In his prime, Williams would be the latest running back to make the shocking decision to retire while he still had plenty left.

Barry Sanders and Jim Brown, two Hall of Famers, retired at the ages of 31 and 30, respectively. Former Minnesota Vikings running back Robert Smith, who rushed for 6,818 yards in eight seasons, announced his retirement following the 2000 campaign at the age of 28.

Williams has a known friendship with Brown, who also was a controversial figure. Brown left football to pursue a movie career.

In 1999, Williams' professional career also started in odd fashion when his eight-year contract was negotiated by rapper Master P's agency. The deal contained large incentives but low base salaries, including just $350,000 as a rookie.

Williams, whose off-the-field exploits have seen him fail two drug tests, reportedly for marijuana use, and maintain a penchant for fast cars. He spent two seasons with the Dolphins after being acquired from the Saints on March 8, 2002 for a first-round pick.

In Miami, the 5-10, 226-pound bruising Williams filled a huge hole in the backfield. He won the rushing title in 2002 after rushing for 1,853 yards and gained 3,225 yards to go along with 25 TDs in two seasons.

Losing Williams again would leave a gaping hole in the backfield for the Dolphins, who are set to open training camp on Thursday. Travis Minor, who has rushed for 654 yards in three seasons, is second on the club's depth chart.

Source

Er... uh... hm... interesting...