Ricky Williams Inks One Year Extension With Dolphins

NFL News - September 2nd, 2009 - Written by Scott

Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams wants one more year after this season and then says he will retire.  Williams signed a one year contract extension that will keep him with the Dolphins through 2010.  He is set to earn a base salary of $3.4 million this season and $4.35 million in 2010.  Williams, who is 32, told The Miami Herald that he talked to Dolphins vice president of football operations Bill Parcells and they worked out an agreement that was "quiet and easy" -- and without an agent.  Williams handled the deal himself and did not consult with his agent Leigh Steinberg.  He had previously been under criticism from some around the league for negotiating a deal that does not include guaranteed money this season.

"When you have a person and an organization that follows a certain philosophy, it's just nice," Williams told the Herald. "Some organizations like players and want to take care of players. Some organizations aren't that way."

Williams, the 1998 Heisman Trophy winner, has rekindled his career with the Dolphins and has become a significant running back playing along side Ronnie Brown.  After retiring five years ago, he announced that he would come out of retirement and in 2007 played a very short amount of time during this year.  He was injured during a game with the Steelers and gained just 15 yards rushing.   During last season, Williams, who is 32, rushed for 659 yards on 160 carries.  On a side note, he is also a five time offender of the NFL's substance abuse policy. Parcells and head coach Tony Sparano have been very supportive of Williams throughout his time with the Dolphins.  Sparano said that he wanted Williams to be around through 2010 because of his play on the field and his professionalism off the field. 

"There's very strong feelings about Ricky and what he's done for us -- and certainly for me -- since he's been here," Dolphins coach Tony Sparano told The Miami Herald on Tuesday night.

The real question is what will he do after he retires?  Williams has stated the he plans to complete his undergraduate degree before applying for medical school.  Keep in mind though, he is a qualified yoga instructor and could follow this path.  Another scenario could lead him back to Australia where he wondered around for a while during his previous retirement.  Whatever path he chooses, rest assured it will be interesting.  He always has shown he has a knack for keeping himself in the news.

In his eight years in the NFL, three with the New Orleans Saints and five with the Dolphins, Williams has rushed for 7,771 yards and 51 touchdowns. 

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