Ricky Williams Confirms Retirement: 'An Amazing Chapter In My Life'

Read More: Ricky Williams (RB - BAL), Baltimore Ravens

Ricky Williams, fifth overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft, is calling it a career. Williams told the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday that he was planning to retire from the NFL after 11 seasons. Williams played for the Saints, Dolphins and Ravens in his career.

Williams was quoted by the Ravens official site in his retirement announcement:

"The NFL has been an amazing page in this chapter of my life," Williams said. "I pray that all successive adventures offer me the same potential for growth, success and most importantly, fun. I want to thank all my fans, teammates, coaches and supporters for the strength they've given me to overcome so much."

As we noted, Williams was a complicated player. He was great on the field rushing for over 10,000 yards in his career but there were so many distractions off the field that kept him from playing. He missed multiple seasons due to failed drug tests (marijuana) and has already retired once.

"As for what's next, I am excited about all the opportunities ahead - continuing my education, running The Ricky Williams Foundation and whatever other opportunities present themselves," Williams said.

Check out the official release for more.