However, he returned and fixed his NFL career the right way, finishing a game away from the Super Bowl. I mean, who would've thought he would finish it out well? Who would of thought he would even make it back to the NFL after what he did? But he was able to put himself together and I praise him for that.
And now the 34-year-old is saying goodbye, after eleven seasons.
"The NFL has been an amazing page in this chapter of my life," Williams said in a statement released by the University of Texas. "I pray that all successive adventures offer me the same potential for growth, success and most importantly fun. I want to thank all my fans, teammates, coaches and supporters for the strength they've given me to overcome so much."
He joins a small class of 26 running backs who have had over 10,000 rushing yards. He has had five 1,000-yard seasons after some solid years with the Saints and Dolphins. He also led the league in rushing in 2002 with 1,853 yards.
This season in Baltimore, Williams filled in nicely as the backup role for Ray Rice, finishing with 444 yards and two touchdowns.
"I have to thank Coach (John) Harbaugh and the Ravens organization for the opportunity they gave me this year," Williams said in the statement. "I had so much fun and really appreciated the chance to finish on such a great note."
Williams retires with 10,009 yards along with 66 touchdowns.
I enjoyed watching you play Ricky, and I wish the best of luck to you on your future endeavors.
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