Report: Dolphins RB Ricky Williams retires

Updated: July 25, 2004, 6:01 PM ET
SportsTicker

MIAMI - Shaquille O'Neal wanted to come to South Florida. Unfortunately for the Miami Dolphins, Ricky Williams couldn't wait to leave.

The Dolphins confirmed on Sunday that Williams has informed them that he is retiring at the age of 27.

"I talked with him (Williams) on Friday and was completely surprised when he told me of his plans (to retire)," Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt said at a Sunday news conference.

The stunning departure of Williams, who rushed for 3,225 yards and 25 touchdowns in two years in Miami, leaves an enormous void in the backfield with training camp starting this week.

"He made his decision to go in another direction and I gave him my thoughts," Wannstedt said. "This totally surprised me. He did not miss one practice in the minicamps and came in weighing one pound less than when the season ended last year, so he was in great shape."

Williams' retirement was first reported by the Miami Herald Sunday.

"I'm finally free," Williams told the newspaper by cell phone before boarding a plane to Hawaii. "I can't remember ever being this happy."

Known for his interesting and complex nature off the field and for his dreadlocks on it, Williams has always expressed a dislike for living his life in the spotlight. In 2001, he was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder.

"I just don't want to be in this business anymore," Williams told the paper. "Everyone has thrown every possible scenario at me about why I shouldn't do this, but they're in denial. I'm happy with my decision."

On the field, Williams was a workhorse. After being acquired by Miami from the New Orleans Saints, Williams led the NFL in rushing with 1,853 yards in 2002 and followed with 1,372 yards last season.

Off the field, Williams was an enigma. His passions involved shopping and photography and he often conducted interviews while wearing a helmet.

In May, three South Florida newspapers reported that Williams tested positive for marijuana and faced a fine of at least $650,000 for violating the league's substance abuse policy for a second time.

Williams becomes the latest running back to make the shocking decision to retire in his prime.

Barry Sanders and Jim Brown, two Hall of Famers, retired at the ages of 31 and 30, respectively. Former Minnesota Vikings running back Robert Smith, who rushed for 6,818 yards in eight seasons, announced his retirement following the 2000 campaign at the age of 28.

Williams' decision comes 11 days after South Florida was invigorated by the Miami Heat's acquisition of O'Neal, the NBA's best center.

But the offseason has been abysmal for the Dolphins. It started with an organization shuffling that included the hiring of former quarterback Dan Marino as vice president. He resigned three weeks later.

Tight end Randy McMichael was arrested following a domestic dispute and Pro Bowl linebacker Zach Thomas underwent knee surgery that will force him to miss part of the preseason.

Now the Dolphins are faced with replacing Williams. Eddie George could have been a possible replacement after he was released by Tennessee on Wednesday, but the Dallas Cowboys signed him on Friday.

Williams' job now belongs to Travis Minor, who had been serving as the third down back. When given the chance, Minor has produced, rushing for 654 yards on 144 carries over three seasons. Sammy Morris will serve as the backup.

Williams rushed for 6,354 yards in five seasons since being picked fifth overall by New Orleans in 1999. Then Saints coach Mike Ditka traded his entire draft - eight selections overall - for the right to select the former Heisman Trophy winner.

In 1999, Williams' professional career started in odd fashion when his eight-year contract was negotiated by rapper Master P's agency. The deal contained large incentives but low base salaries, including just $350,000 as a rookie.

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

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