Ricky WilliamsConsidered one of the greatest running backs of all time, he was once considered a “problem athlete” for his marijuana use.
He is now a leading advocate for cannabis legalization and entrepreneurship. His journey reflects the dramatic shift in attitudes toward marijuana, both within the NFL and across the country.
What happened: Williams was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played for the Saints, Miami Dolphins and Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League during his 11-year professional career. During this time, Williams rushed for more than 10,000 yards and 60 touchdowns.
But his marijuana use led to multiple suspensions, including missing two full seasons. Faced with a strict anti-drug policy, Williams was forced to retire early.
“Every year it gets easier and easier where there is more and more support,” Williams told Fox News Digital. “I just feel lucky to be part of this movement.”
“It was a fascinating topic to see something change dynamically,” Williams says. She recognized the sacrifices made by advocates who challenged stigma and paved the way for change.
Williams reflected on his life with introspection. “I had no idea why I was doing what I was doing,” she said, attributing her cannabis use to the pressure of fame and expectations. “It was a bit like my conscience sabotaged the experience to wake me up and find my way.”
Far from harboring regrets, Williams seemed to embrace his experiences. “It’s hard for me to have regrets, because I’m so happy with the current product, and the current product wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for those past experiences.”
Today, in a very different landscape with recreational marijuana legal in half the United States, Williams has created his “Highsman” cannabis brand, named for the Heisman Trophy he won in 1998.
What’s next: Williams is now taking his message to Super Bowl LVIII. He will be in Las Vegas during Super Bowl weekend for two fan meet-and-greets: one at Cookies Flamingo and the other at Planet 13 PLNHFthe largest cannabis dispensary hypermarket in the world where it will launch a new cannabis brand on Saturday, Highsman Sticky Ricky.
Williams’ life from suspended athlete to cannabis entrepreneur shows the changing landscape of marijuana in the NFL and beyond. His story about him, which he shared to Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago, is a testament to the power of advocacy, personal growth and the growing acceptance of a once-banned substance.
Photo: Photo from the press release