The thing is, if he gets another suspension, or decides to retire again, it wouldnt be the lethal blow that is was in 2004. You see, Saban has a backup plan. He isnt pinning all his hopes on Ricky Williams. Ricky Williams would just be the icing on the cake. If Ricky flakes out again, we have Ronnie. Ricky will NEVER have the impact he had on this team ever again.. that responsibility of carrying the team on his back will not be his, and I do not believe that is something he ever even wanted.
People say he cant be trusted, but he CAN be trusted on the field.. On the field, he was a beast. Relentless. People say he showed signs of not giving his all in 2003. I dont believe that. I think shying away from tacklers he tried earlier in the year wasnt cowardice, but rather a new type of running he was experimenting with like he stated at the time. He was trying to be more of the elusive type back, rather than the power runner he was known to be, somewhat to save his own body, but also because he felt he had some success with that in 2002 once he slimmed down.
Ricky on the field is a warrior.. Ricky off the field is a scared child.. Thats why he needs a strong mentor figure like Saban.
Anyway, I dont believe Ricky will play more than 4 years regardless.. My guess would be 3 years. but if he can give 3 more good years to the Dolphins, the chances are, one of those years will be a Championship year.