Ricky Williams: From Troubled Athlete to Cannabis Entrepreneur
Ricky Williams, renowned as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, has come a long way since being labeled a “troubled athlete” due to his marijuana use. He has since become a leading advocate for cannabis legalization and entrepreneurship, reflecting the shifting attitudes towards marijuana both within the NFL and across the country.
Williams was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft. Over his 11-year professional career, he played for the Saints, the Miami Dolphins, and the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts, amassing over 10,000 rushing yards and 60 touchdowns. However, his use of marijuana resulted in multiple suspensions, including missing two full seasons. Confronted with a strict anti-drug policy, Williams was forced to retire prematurely.
In recent years, Williams has witnessed a significant change in the perception of marijuana. “Every year, it becomes easier and easier where there’s more and more support,” he stated in an interview with Fox News Digital. Williams considers himself fortunate to be part of the movement advocating for cannabis acceptance. He acknowledges the sacrifices made by advocates who challenged the stigma and paved the way for change.
Reflecting on his own life, Williams speaks with introspection. He admits that he initially consumed cannabis as a way to cope with the pressures of fame and expectations, not fully understanding why he was doing it. However, he now sees those experiences as pivotal in his personal growth. He embraces the present and has no regrets. Williams attributes his current happiness and success to the lessons learned from his past.
Today, with recreational marijuana legal in half of the United States, Williams has established his own cannabis brand called “Highsman,” named after the Heisman Trophy he won in 1998. He has fully embraced the opportunities that the changing landscape of marijuana has presented.
Looking ahead, Williams is taking his message to the Super Bowl LVIII. He will be in Las Vegas over Super Bowl weekend, hosting two meet-and-greets with fans. Additionally, he will be launching a new cannabis brand, “Highsman Sticky Ricky,” at Planet 13, the world’s largest cannabis dispensary superstore.
Williams’ journey from a suspended athlete to a cannabis entrepreneur is a testament to the evolving landscape of marijuana in the NFL and beyond. His story, which he shared at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago, underscores the power of advocacy, personal growth, and the growing acceptance of a once-prohibited substance.
As Ricky Williams continues to make his mark in the cannabis industry, his experiences serve as a reminder that perceptions can change, and the path to success often involves embracing one’s own journey, even if it means overcoming obstacles and challenging societal norms.
