Does Ricky Williams belong in the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll? | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

Does Ricky Williams belong in the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll?

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BAMAPHIN 22

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After nine wild years, Ricky Williams is finally going to play for a team other than the Miami Dolphins this fall after signing yesterday with the Baltimore Ravens.

He leaves Miami with 6,436 rushing yards (4.27 ypc) and 54 total touchdowns (48 rushing). He’s got franchise records in single-season rushing yards (1,853), single-season rushing TDs (16), single-game rushing yards (228), career rushing attempts (1,509) and 100-yard games (24). He’s second in career rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, behind Larry Csonka.

But Williams’ legacy, of course, is complicated. He thrilled, then disappointed. He matured, then lashed out. He made the playoffs once. Ultimately, he wasn’t invited back for a 10th year.
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http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/thed...iams-belong-in-the-miami-dolphins-honor-roll/
 
I'd vote affirmatively on the basis of his body of work - but even though Wannstedt (who should end up in our "Circle of Dishonor") burned him out, he did quit on the team - to be (pardon the pun) very blunt about it. So I'm twixt and tween although leaning towards no presently, but not necessarily indelibly.
 
I think this kind of honor is reserved for players that not only performed superbly, but also conducted themselves in a way befitting of a star. Williams passes the first test easily, but fails the second one, all things considered. Not because of his latest tirade, but because of the way he just upped and left after the '03 season.

I think he has a place in Dolphins history, sure. Just not in a 'honorable' fashion.
 
Good player, thankful for his contributions, but I don't think he's earned the honor.
 
If he played in 2004, 2006 and 2007 maybe he would have had the numbers to make it. Although he probably wouldn't have been as productive in 2009 if he had three more NFL years on his legs, so it's a tough call. Either way he won't make it in and it's sad to see someone with all the god given talent in the world not have the right mind of an NFL player.
 
No. if he was in the military, he'd get a discharge for "other than honorable."
 
Granchamp71 said:
If he played in 2004, 2006 and 2007 maybe he would have had the numbers to make it. Although he probably wouldn't have been as productive in 2009 if he had three more NFL years on his legs, so it's a tough call. Either way he won't make it in and it's sad to see someone with all the god given talent in the world not have the right mind of an NFL player.
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I don't think they go hand in hand.

I mean, think about it. You're supposed to (somewhat mindlessly) do what the coaches tell you to do, play 100% (regardless of the posibilites of career-ending or -debilitating injuries, contract status, etc), sacrifice personal glory for team victory (again, regardless of contract status), but if you do all that... you end up in the street, richer than most but with a heavy health, or personal, burden (dedication to the sport trumps family, after all), and most of the time, woefully underappreciated by the fans.

The lucky (or smart) ones combine their ability with judicious obedience, judicious effort, and judicious sacrifice. It's hard to find the sweet spot.

This in no way justifies Williams' actions - but to say he doesn't have the "right mind of an NFL player"... well, very few people do AND become succesful, time-honored stars.
 
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Ask me again in another ten years. I like the guy so much I want to say yes, but as others have pointed out, his off-field issues have left a mark on an otherwise solid career. Right now, I'd probably have to go with no, but given enough time, I could see that small grudge disappear.

I got over Jason Taylor leaving and coming back and leaving and coming back so, hey anything's possible.
 
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