I just got a chance to watch the ESPN 30 for 30 on Ricky Williams. I thought it was very well done. I learned a lot about his life that I never knew, such as his accusation of his father sexually abusing him and then being absent for the rest of his childhood. I found it just fascinating how his personality relates to his playing style, which it doesn't at all! On the field he is an absolute beast. He trucks over linebackers and has phenomenal breakaway speed. Even at age 32, it's like he hasn't lost a step. Off the field, he is passive, has a social anxiety problem, and only feels comfortable when he is alone in the dark. If you hear him talk, he might say something completely normal followed by something very odd. He is just a weird guy, but a very likeable guy. Everyone hated him for retiring early in 2004 to go to Australia to smoke weed and live in a tent. People needed to realize that he isn't like all the other football players. He felt overwhelmed and stressed, and he needed to leave the game. Smoking pot made him feel comfortable. Is that so horrible? He realized during his absence that he loved to play football so he came back. He accepted his role as a backup to Ronnie Brown, as he should have. Ricky is very aware that he is different, and that makes it better. He is still running like a freight train, and I am one of his biggest supporters after watching this. I hope he runs for 1500 yards this season and makes the pro bowl. People need to stop judging, and start understanding. Run Ricky run!
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