MIAMI (Ticker) - According to a report out of South Florida, Ricky Williams has made overtures to Miami Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt about returning to the team.
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Wednesday that Williams, who stunned the football community with the announcement of his retirement in late July, has contacted his former coach.
The 27-year-old Williams has filed his retirement papers with the league but reportedly is considering a comeback if the team meets certain conditions - including the renegotiation of his current contract.
The newspaper cites several NFL sources in its report.
Williams likely would have to miss the 2004 season, unless he appealed - and was successful in overturning - a penalty for three positive tests for marijuana. The filing of his retirement papers served as a fourth failed test - an infraction that carries a mandatory year suspension.
Williams, who is just two seasons removed from winning the NFL rushing title, quit the game abruptly in pursuit of happiness off the field.
"I just don't want to be in this business anymore," Williams said at the time. "I was never strong enough to not play football, but I'm strong enough now. I've considered everything about this. Everyone has thrown every possible scenario at me about why I shouldn't do this, but they're in denial. I'm happy with my decision."
Known for his interesting and complex nature off the field and for his dreadlocks on it, Williams has rushed for 6,354 yards in five seasons since being picked fifth overall by the New Orleans Saints in 1999. The Saints traded eight picks to the Washington Redskins for the right to select the former Heisman Trophy winner.
In 1999, Williams' professional career also started in odd fashion when his eight-year contract was negotiated by rapper Master P's agency. The deal contained large incentives but low base salaries, including just $350,000 as a rookie.
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Wednesday that Williams, who stunned the football community with the announcement of his retirement in late July, has contacted his former coach.
The 27-year-old Williams has filed his retirement papers with the league but reportedly is considering a comeback if the team meets certain conditions - including the renegotiation of his current contract.
The newspaper cites several NFL sources in its report.
Williams likely would have to miss the 2004 season, unless he appealed - and was successful in overturning - a penalty for three positive tests for marijuana. The filing of his retirement papers served as a fourth failed test - an infraction that carries a mandatory year suspension.
Williams, who is just two seasons removed from winning the NFL rushing title, quit the game abruptly in pursuit of happiness off the field.
"I just don't want to be in this business anymore," Williams said at the time. "I was never strong enough to not play football, but I'm strong enough now. I've considered everything about this. Everyone has thrown every possible scenario at me about why I shouldn't do this, but they're in denial. I'm happy with my decision."
Known for his interesting and complex nature off the field and for his dreadlocks on it, Williams has rushed for 6,354 yards in five seasons since being picked fifth overall by the New Orleans Saints in 1999. The Saints traded eight picks to the Washington Redskins for the right to select the former Heisman Trophy winner.
In 1999, Williams' professional career also started in odd fashion when his eight-year contract was negotiated by rapper Master P's agency. The deal contained large incentives but low base salaries, including just $350,000 as a rookie.
