Ricky Williams, a former Heisman Trophy winner and first-round NFL draft pick, informed the Baltimore Ravens he is planning to announce his retirement, a source told ESPN and the Associated Press.
Williams, 34, one of the oldest running backs in pro football, had career season lows in carries, 108, and rushing yards, 444, as a backup to Pro Bowler Ray Rice this season.
Williams was selected to one Pro Bowl in 2002, and finishes his career as the 26th all-time leading rusher in NFL history with 10,009 and 32nd all-time in rushing touchdowns with 66 for the Ravens, Dolphins, and Saints.
Williams’ personal issues off the field have been well documented. In 2004 he briefly retired rather than serve a four-game suspension after testing positive for marijuana. He resumed playing in 2005 and served his suspension.
In 2006 Williams violated the NFL’s drug policy for the fourth time and played the entire season for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.
Williams rushed for 1,000 yards during five of his 11 NFL seasons.