Ricky Williams’ NFL career was derailed by his persistent marijuana use. If marijuana were legal, he thinks he would have been a Hall of Famer.
Williams’ weed habit led to a four-game suspension in 2004, which he served in 2005, and a full season suspension in 2006. Serving as a guest on “Any Given Wednesday,” Williams was asked by HBO’s Bill Simmons whether he would be in the Hall of Fame if not for weed.
“For sure. No doubt about it,” Williams said.
He also said the negative attention for weed hurt him.
“I look at the amount of stress and things that distracted me from playing football surrounding cannabis,” Williams said. “Also the negative media coverage I got really tarnished my image.”
Williams, a Heisman Trophy winner at Texas, led the league in rushing with 1,853 yards in 2002. Despite his suspensions, he still played 11 NFL seasons, rushing for 10,009 yards and 66 touchdowns. He missed two full seasons during his prime.
Williams’ attitude explains why he is creating a marijuana-friendly gym.
Helmet smack to Pro Football Talk
