Who Is Ricky Williams? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ricky Williams, born on May 21, 1977, is a former American football running back renowned for his dynamic playing style and impact on the game. As of 2025, he celebrates his 48th birthday and is recognized as a prominent figure in sports history. Williams's remarkable career includes playing for teams like the New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, and Baltimore Ravens. After retiring, he has remained in the spotlight, contributing to various business ventures and wellness initiatives.
| Occupation | Football Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 21, 1977 |
| Age | 48 Years |
| Birth Place | San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Ricky Williams's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ricky Williams stands tall at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and has maintained a weight of around 230 lbs (104 kg). His athletic build has always been a significant part of his presence on the field, showcasing remarkable speed and agility that aided his success in professional football.
Entering high school at 5 ft and 155 lb, Williams added an additional 25 lb of weight before his junior season. He played outside linebacker and strong safety in addition to his primary position of running back.
During his high school career, he rushed for a total of 4,129 yards and 55 touchdowns, and in his senior season he had 2,099 yards and 25 touchdowns, totals which earned him the San Diego Union-Tribune's 1994 Player of the Year award.
Among his senior year performances were a 200-yard effort in a loss, a 248-yard (on 24 carries) and three-touchdown game, a 215-yard (21 carries) and two-touchdown showing, and a 143-yard (18 carries) and two-touchdown game.
Against a top-ranked school, he had 129 yards on 24 carries and one touchdown, and Williams totaled 47 of the 69 yards Patrick Henry accumulated during the game-winning drive.
Williams helped Patrick Henry to its first Eastern League title in 11 years with a win against San Diego High School; Williams had 115 yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter of the game but suffered an Achilles tendon rupture early in the second quarter.
Following two weeks of rest, Williams suited up for the first round of the CIF-San Diego Section Division 1 playoffs and, playing through pain from the injury, posted 94 yards on 25 carries in a 15–14 win. In the second round, Williams ran for 110 yards in a 21–17 victory, propelling Patrick Henry into the championship game.
However, in the title game Patrick Henry lost 13–0 and Williams was held to a season-low 46 yards, with his team amassing just 62 yards of total offense.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Ricky Williams has been private about his personal life, he has publicly dated several women over the years. As of 2025, he is in a committed relationship with a significant other, though details about his girlfriend remain largely under wraps. Williams is a father to several children, reflecting his devotion to family and parenting alongside his career pursuits.
Growing up middle class, his parents were divorced by 1983 and Williams, at the age of three, began taking care of his younger sister Nisey by putting her to bed. His father later had three children through another marriage. Williams is the second cousin of Major League Baseball player Cecil Fielder.
Williams was sent by his mother to counseling for anger problems as a youth. He took a test as a six-year-old that revealed he had the intelligence of someone twice his age, and earned honor roll recognition in high school. Williams once said, "I was always very bright, but not necessarily a hard worker.
I think I was in eighth grade when I became really focused as a student and started getting good grades." He was named to the San Diego Union-Tribune All-Academic team. He had a brown belt in Taekwondo by age 12, and he started growing dreadlocks when he was 15.
Net Worth and Salary
Ricky Williams's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $10 million. His earnings stem from his successful football career, endorsements, and business ventures. Despite his controversial past regarding suspensions and retirement from football, Williams has created financial stability through various investments in wellness and holistic health businesses, contributing to his overall wealth.
Williams was drafted in the eighth round of the 1995 Major League Baseball June amateur draft out of high school by the Philadelphia Phillies. He signed a contract with the team with a $50,000 signing bonus. During his collegiate career, he played four seasons in the Phillies' farm system, never playing beyond Single–A.
An outfielder, Williams played in 170 games and finished his career with a .211 batting average, four home runs, and 46 stolen bases.
Career, Business and Investments
Ricky Williams had a sensational career in the NFL, where he was known for leading the league in rushing yards. Post-retirement, he has ventured into various business opportunities, including a strong focus on cannabis and natural health. Williams is a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness, using his platform to promote education around the advantages of holistic living. His investment in cannabis-related businesses aligns with his long-standing belief in its benefits, showing a transformative journey from athlete to entrepreneur.
After playing baseball and football at Patrick Henry High School, he played college football for the Texas Longhorns, where he was a two-time unanimous All-American and won the 1998 Heisman Trophy. He broke the NCAA Division I-A records for career rushing yards and all-purpose yards during his senior season.
He played minor league baseball in the Philadelphia Phillies farm system for four seasons during college. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
Social Network
Ricky Williams actively engages with fans and followers through social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Through these channels, he shares insights into his personal life, career, wellness tips, and advocacy work. His approachable nature and commitment to transparency have resonated with fans, helping him maintain a supportive community around his endeavors.
Williams was noted for his dreadlocks hair style, but he shaved them off during a trip to Australia. His shyness made Williams appear somewhat of an oddball. "Ricky's just a different guy", former Saints receiver Joe Horn explained. "People he wanted to deal with, he did. And people he wanted to have nothing to do with, he didn't.
No one could understand that. I don't think guys in the locker room could grasp that he wanted to be to himself – you know, quiet.
If you didn't understand him and didn't know what he was about, it always kept people in suspense." Besides keeping to himself, Williams was known for conducting post-game interviews with his helmet on (complete with tinted visor) and avoiding eye contact. Williams was later diagnosed with social anxiety disorder.
Education
Ricky Williams attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he played college football and earned a degree in Sociology. His college years were marked by significant athletic achievements, including winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1998. Williams's education has played a crucial role in shaping his views on health, wellness, and community support.
At San Diego's Patrick Henry High School, Williams primarily played baseball and football, in addition to running track and wrestling. He notably lost a wrestling match to future NCAA wrestling champion and three-time Super Bowl champion Stephen Neal. During his junior year, he was named all-league in baseball as an outfielder and third baseman, and as a senior, he was named all-state.
