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Ricky Williams keeps running until he finds himself
Few men who have played in the National Football League have possessed the physical talents of Ricky Williams. And fewer still have been so severely misunderstood while enduring the expectations, scrutiny and criticism that followed the former University of Texas Heisman Trophy winner.
In their documentary “Run Ricky Run,” part of ESPN’s “30 for 30” initiative, filmmakers Sean Pamphilon and Royce Toni reveal a side of the enigmatic athlete who has defied labels and confounded fans and critics alike for over a decade.
After his first two injury-riddled seasons in New Orleans, where he arrived as one of the most coveted and curious rookies in pro football history, Williams seemed to lose his way. Burdened by current demands and past demons, Williams retreated inside his head — one both aided and clouded by marijuana — and began a long, bumpy and widely publicized and panned road to self-discovery.
“Run Ricky Run” explores Williams’ path to inner peace and, in the words of one of his Ayurvedic teachers, his journey to “understanding how he can merge the culture that is in his heart with the culture of the National Football League.”
On a personal note (and without giving away too much): Thumbs up to the film and an entirely different finger for Joe Theisman and Skip Bayless.
“Run Ricky Run” premieres on ESPN Tuesday night at 7 p.m. and repeats at 10 p.m. on ESPN2; 4:30 and 11 p.m. Wednesday on ESPN U; Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN 2 and Thursday at 10 p.m. on ESPN Classic.
Check out this piece from Statesman sports columnist Cedric Golden, who spoke with Williams a few days ago.
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By just me
April 27, 2010 9:50 PM | Link to this
to thine own self be true.
the only constant in life is change.
take it like you find it, or leave it like it is.
the culture of america is that it loves to eat its young.
i think ricky saw the path ahead of him by studying history and he did not want that.
everyone has “issues that require tissues”
would you like to go thru your “issues” in the media?
would you like everyone to critique your “job performance”?
leave the man alone…money i dont think, was ever his motivation.
people change their minds!
i dont blame him for trying to cope with “herbs” western medicine only puts a bandaid on the symptoms.
i would recommend all natural, non-smokable, alternative therapy for whatever ails him or anyone else.
prayer.
lots of water and natural food.
sunshine.
maybe some accupuncture.
that is all.