Ricky Williams

American college football running back who won the 1998 Heisman Trophy and set the NCAA all-time rushing record with 6,279 yards at Texas.

Born in San Diego, California in 1977, Errick Lynne "Ricky" Williams Jr. emerged from a challenging childhood to become one of college football's most dominant players. Raised primarily by his mother and twin sister, Williams discovered football as an outlet during his youth, developing the powerful running style that would define his career. He attended Patrick Henry High School in San Diego, where his exceptional talent attracted national attention from college recruiters. Williams enrolled at the University of Texas in 1995 and quickly established himself as the program's cornerstone. His breakout season came in 1996, followed by increasingly dominant performances that culminated in back-to-back spectacular campaigns. During his junior year in 1997, he became the first player to win the Doak Walker Award, given annually to the nation's top running back. His senior season in 1998 proved historic, as he shattered Tony Dorsett's long-standing NCAA Division I career rushing record, finishing with 6,279 yards. The 1998 season represented the pinnacle of Williams' college dominance. He won the Heisman Trophy by the largest margin in the award's history at that time, capturing 714 first-place votes. He became the only player ever to win the Doak Walker Award twice and earned consensus All-American honors in both 1997 and 1998. His 75 career touchdowns further demonstrated his scoring prowess throughout four seasons in Austin. Williams' statistical achievements at Texas remain unmatched in program history and established him among college football's greatest players. His NCAA rushing record stood as a testament to sustained excellence over four seasons, while his dominant Heisman victory margin reflected his overwhelming superiority during his final collegiate campaign. Selected fifth overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 1999 NFL Draft, Williams transitioned to professional football as one of the most accomplished running backs in college football history. His legacy endures as the most statistically productive player in Texas Longhorns history.

Powerful runner with exceptional vision and breakaway speed, known for his ability to break tackles and make big plays

One of college football's greatest running backs who revolutionized the position with his combination of power and speed

• Heisman Trophy (1998)
• All-time NCAA rushing record (6,279 yards)
• Doak Walker Award 2x
• Consensus All-American 2x