NFL running back Ricky Williams made headlines in 2004 when he decided to walk away from from a multi-million dollar contract and retired from the NFL after failing three mandatory drug tests due to smoking marijuana. Williams left all of his worldly possessions behind to travel through the wilderness and live in a tent.
Although he eventually returned to the NFL, Williams remains one of the most enigmatic figures in the league. His life is chronicled in ESPN’s latest “30 for 30” film, Run Ricky Run.
The feature offers an inside look at Williams’ life through interviews with psychologists, family members, teammates, and others who have played major roles in Williams’ life.
Williams also opens up about being molested, the media’s perception of his drug use and his plans to become a doctor after his NFL days are over.
The film provides insight into a man whose talents on the football field are often overshadowed by his free-spirit lifestyle. –a.r.