In August 2011, the Baltimore Ravens signed long-time Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams to a multi-year deal after losing Willis McGahee to free agency.
That season, the Ravens would go on to face the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, but fall short in a heart-breaker. Late in the fourth quarter, Williams’ seven-yard rush would end up being his last, as he informed the Ravens on Feb. 7, 2012, that he would be hanging up the cleats — this time, for good.
Williams joined Brandon
“Scoop B” Robinson on July 29 to talk all things NFL and beyond, and a part of the conversation was his final season in the NFL with the Ravens.
“Football-wise, it’s like no other,” Williams said. “That’s a football town. The fans love it. On ‘Purple Fridays,’ everybody’s sporting their Ravens gear.”
Williams was an enigmatic individual. His career began with him posing on the cover of ESPN Magazine in a wedding dress with the late New Orleans Head Coach Mike Ditka sporting a wedding tuxedo. He retired five seasons into his career, disgruntled with the Dolphins’ quarterback situation, before returning a season later. He failed numerous drug tests; his fourth violation resulted in him being ineligible for the 2006 NFL season. He was raw, he was real, he was human. And his history and faults made it a challenge in earning the Ravens’ trust.
“I think one of the most difficult things — and I’m guessing this is in any sport – is changing teams late in your career.” Williams said. “Because where you grow up, where everybody knows you, there’s benefit of the doubt. They get you. And when you take that to another team, you have to start all over again. You have to rebuild that personal reputation. So, that part was challenging, being in Baltimore, because everybody was used to me in Miami.”
While earning the team’s trust was a challenge, Williams played in all 16 games for the Ravens in 2011, finishing with 108 carries for 444 yards and two touchdowns.
He also shared the field with legends, which he relished. And, he credited the organization for the way they treat their players.
“It was a great experience playing with Ed Reed and Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata,” Williams said. “Just playing with really good football players. And again, being in that organization. The Ravens really do a good job of taking care of the players.”
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