Ex-Heisman Trophy winner, UT Longhorn/New Orleans Saint/Miami Dolphin Ricky Williams unexpectedly retired today at the age of 27 to, uh, travel:
MIAMI (AP) -- The first sign of a change in Ricky Williams came when he returned from vacation in Australia last winter with a shaved head, the distinctive dreadlocks gone.
Now he's gone, too. Williams has decided to retire at the peak of his career, stunning the Miami Dolphins and leaving an enormous void in their backfield less than a week before the start of training camp.
Williams, who rushed for 3,225 yards in two seasons with the Dolphins, phoned from Hawaii to inform coach Dave Wannstedt of his decision, then continued his travels by flying to Tokyo.
Williams had just started to shine at Miami, so his early retirement is a bit of a surprise, especially to the Dolphins, who are now stuck with Travis Minor as their sole RB.
With three years left on his contract that had a hefty signing bonus, he may end up owing his old team some money. As for his future plans:
Officials at Texas anticipate that Williams will return to Austin to earn his degree in education and pursue work with children.
Selfish bastard. Though that should probably read, "Officials at Texas hope hope hope Heisman winner Williams will return to Austin to distract Longhorn fans from Mack Brown's failure to contend for a national championship."
I'll have to settle for dipping some Skoal with Big Earl in H-Town.
You want a fantasy draft list? OK...
GW Bush: drafted into the Air Force, forced to serve turkey to actual useful members of the armed services for 5 years (plus 3 years ready reserve).
The Dolphins also have Sammy Morris.
We're all looking forward to smoking a bowl with Li'l Earl in A-Town.