Why Did Ricky Williams Change His Name? Reason Behind Name Change
by Rubaditsha | Updated May 30, 2023
Who is Ricky Williams?
Errick Miron, formerly known as Errick Lynne Williams Jr., is a former professional football player who had an impressive career as a running back in both the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). Born on May 21, 1977, Miron's journey in football began after he played baseball and football at Patrick Henry High School in San Diego, California. He then went on to play college football for the Texas Longhorns, where he achieved remarkable success.
During his time at Texas, Miron, known as Ricky Williams at the time, became a two-time unanimous All-American and gained recognition as one of the best players in the nation. His outstanding performance on the field led him to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1998, an honor bestowed upon the most exceptional college football player.
Notably, Miron set new records in NCAA Division I-A for career rushing yards and all-purpose yards during his senior season. In addition to football, he also pursued a career in minor league baseball as part of the Philadelphia Phillies farm system for four seasons while still in college. Such accomplishments and his overall impact on college football led to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
In the 1999 NFL Draft, Miron was selected as the fifth overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in a significant trade. He spent three seasons with the Saints before being traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2002. His tenure with the Dolphins lasted for two seasons, during which he emerged as a dominant force in the league, leading the NFL in rushing yards in 2002. However, in 2004, Miron decided to retire from football for the first time.
Subsequently, due to a suspension imposed by the NFL, Miron briefly played for the Toronto Argonauts in 2006, competing in the Canadian Football League. He then made a comeback to the Miami Dolphins in 2007 and continued to play with the team until 2010. In 2011, Miron joined the Baltimore Ravens for one season, concluding his professional football career.
Throughout his remarkable journey, Miron garnered accolades such as first-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection in 2002 while playing for the Dolphins. His contributions to the sport, both in college and in professional football, solidified his status as a talented and influential player in the history of the game.
Why Did Ricky Williams Change His Name?
Ricky Williams changed his name to Errick Miron as a significant personal choice and as a means of creating more balance in his marriage. After being married to his wife Linnea for five years, Ricky decided to take her last name, Miron, as his own. This decision was not made lightly and had been something he had been contemplating and discussing for some time.
The name change became publicly known when an interviewer noticed Ricky's new Zoom name and asked about it. During an appearance on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, Ricky confirmed the change and shared his reasons behind it. He explained that the process of legally changing his name was quick, easy, and held deep meaning for him.
Ricky clarified that the switch to Errick was not actually a switch at all, as Errick was his birth name. However, he had been known by the name Ricky throughout his life and career. Changing his name to Errick was a way for him to reclaim his original name and embrace it as his true identity.
One of the main motivations for changing his name was to bring more balance into his marriage. Ricky mentioned that he had taken a relationship-astrology class which helped him gain a deeper understanding of his relationship with his wife. Through this class, he discovered the power and significance of creating ease, intimacy, and trust in their relationship. Changing his name to Errick was seen as a symbolic gesture to foster that balance and strengthen their connection.
Both Ricky and his wife Linnea were moved by the name change. Ricky expressed his belief that it was a way for both of them to win in their relationship. The decision to change his name represents Ricky's ongoing commitment to challenging societal norms and forging his own path.
It's worth noting that despite his name change, Ricky does not believe it will negatively impact him from a business standpoint. In fact, he has recently started offering astrology readings on his website, adding another dimension to his personal brand.
Overall, Ricky Williams changed his name to Errick Miron as a way to honor his true identity, bring balance to his marriage, and continue living life on his own terms. The decision reflects his unique and independent spirit, which has characterized his entire life and career.
Ricky Williams Name Change
Ricky Williams changed his name to Errick Miron as a personal choice that holds deep meaning for him. After being married to his wife Linnea for five years, he decided to take her last name, Miron, as his own. This name change was not a hasty decision but something Ricky had been considering and discussing for some time.
The public became aware of the name change when an interviewer noticed Ricky's new Zoom name and inquired about it. During an appearance on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, Ricky confirmed the change and elaborated on the reasons behind it. He explained that the process of legally changing his name was a quick and easy one, yet it held immense significance for him.
Ricky clarified that the switch to Errick was not actually a switch at all. Errick was his birth name, and he had been known as Ricky throughout his life and career. Changing his name to Errick was a way for him to embrace his true identity and reclaim the name he was given at birth.
One of the main motivations behind the name change was to bring more balance into his marriage. Ricky shared that he had taken a relationship-astrology class, which provided him with a deeper understanding of his relationship with his wife. Through this class, he realized the power of creating ease, intimacy, and trust in their relationship. Changing his name to Errick was seen as a symbolic gesture to promote that balance and strengthen their connection.
Both Ricky and his wife Linnea were deeply moved by the name change. Ricky expressed his belief that it was a decision where both he and his wife could win in their relationship. The name change represents Ricky's ongoing commitment to challenging societal norms and living life on his own terms.
Despite the name change, Ricky does not anticipate any negative impact on his business endeavors. In fact, he has recently started offering astrology readings on his website, which adds another dimension to his personal brand.
Ricky Williams Football
Ricky Williams had a notable career in football, playing primarily as a running back in the NFL. He began his professional journey when he was traded to the Miami Dolphins on March 8, 2002, in a deal that involved multiple draft picks, including two first-round selections. In his first season with the Dolphins, he made an immediate impact, showcasing his exceptional skills on the field.
During the 2002 season, Williams had an outstanding performance, with ten games in which he rushed for over 100 yards. One particular standout game was in Week 12 against the San Diego Chargers, where he amassed 143 rushing yards and scored two rushing touchdowns.
This remarkable performance earned him the prestigious title of AFC Offensive Player of the Week. He continued to impress in the following games, rushing for 228 yards and two touchdowns against the Buffalo Bills, and then recording 216 rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Chicago Bears.
These outstanding performances contributed to Williams being recognized as the NFL's leading rusher that season, with an impressive total of 1,853 rushing yards. He also received accolades such as first-team All-Pro and was selected for the Pro Bowl.
In the 2003 season, Williams maintained his high level of performance, accumulating 1,372 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns, and making significant contributions as a receiver with 50 receptions for 351 yards and one receiving touchdown. His versatility as both a rusher and a pass-catcher made him a valuable asset to the Dolphins' offense.
However, Williams was not only known for his football abilities but also for his unique personality and behavior. He sported distinctive dreadlocks as his hairstyle, but surprised many when he decided to shave them off during a trip to Australia.
Williams was often described as an unconventional individual, who preferred to keep to himself and avoided unnecessary attention. He conducted post-game interviews with his helmet on, complete with a tinted visor, and had a reputation for being introverted and shy. These characteristics, along with his unique approach to life, added to the intrigue surrounding him as a player.
Williams faced challenges off the field as well. He tested positive for marijuana on multiple occasions, leading to disciplinary actions and suspensions from the NFL. In May 2004, he tested positive again and was set to face a four-game suspension and a hefty fine. Shortly before the start of training camp in July 2004, Williams surprised the football world by announcing his retirement from professional football. This decision came as a shock to many, considering his talent and the potential he still possessed as a player.
During his time away from football, Williams pursued other interests and explored alternative paths. He studied Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of holistic medicine, at the California College of Ayurveda. This period of self-discovery and exploration allowed Williams to reflect on his life and find personal fulfillment.
However, Williams couldn't stay away from the game for long. He made his return to the Dolphins in 2005 after serving his suspension and repaying a portion of his signing bonus. Williams expressed his apologies for his abrupt departure and acknowledged the negative impact it had on the team's performance.
In his comeback season, he shared playing time with Ronnie Brown but still managed to contribute effectively. He recorded six touchdowns and had an average of 4.4 yards per carry on 168 rushing attempts, accumulating a total of 743 rushing yards. Notable performances included a 172-yard rushing game against the Tennessee Titans in Week 16 and a 108-yard rushing game against the New England Patriots in Week 17.
However, Williams faced further challenges in his career. In 2006, he violated the NFL's drug policy for the fourth time, resulting in a suspension for the entire season. The exact substance involved in this violation remained unclear, with speculation that it may have been related to his interest in holistic medicine.
Despite the ups and downs of his football career and the controversies surrounding him, Ricky Williams left a lasting impact on the game. His unique style of play, versatility, and individuality made him a standout player during his time in the NFL.
Ricky Williams Stats
Season
Team
GP
Att
Yds
Avg
Lng
TD
Rec
Yds
TD
1995
Texas
13
178
1,052
5.9
65
8
16
224
1
1996
Texas
13
216
1,320
6.1
75
13
33
307
2
1997
Texas
11
279
1,893
6.8
87
25
20
150
0
1998
Texas
12
391
2,327
6.0
68
29
29
307
1
Career
49
1,064
6,592
6.2
87
75
98
988
4
Ricky Williams
Rushing
Receiving
Ricky Williams College
Ricky Williams had an exceptional college football career before making his mark in the NFL. He played for the University of Texas Longhorns from 1995 to 1998 and left an indelible impact on the program.
During his freshman season in 1995, Williams displayed his immense talent by rushing for 990 yards and scoring eight touchdowns. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, showcasing a unique combination of speed, power, and agility on the field. Williams' performance earned him the prestigious honor of being named the Southwest Conference Freshman of the Year.
Williams continued to excel in the following seasons, solidifying his reputation as one of the best college football players of his time. In 1996, he had a breakout season, rushing for 1,311 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns. He earned numerous accolades, including being named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and receiving First-Team All-Big 12 honors.
The 1997 season proved to be a defining year for Williams. He had a record-breaking campaign, setting a new NCAA single-season rushing record with a staggering 2,124 yards. Williams showcased his durability and consistency, recording eight consecutive games with over 200 rushing yards. His exceptional performances earned him numerous accolades, including the Heisman Trophy, which is awarded to the most outstanding player in college football. Williams became only the fourth Texas Longhorn to win the prestigious award.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Williams decided to return for his senior season in 1998, forgoing the opportunity to enter the NFL Draft. He aimed to break the career rushing record held by Tony Dorsett and further cement his legacy. Williams continued to dominate on the field, rushing for 2,327 yards and scoring 29 touchdowns, further solidifying his place among the all-time greats in college football.
At the conclusion of his college career, Ricky Williams left an indelible mark on the University of Texas football program. He finished his collegiate tenure as the NCAA's all-time leading rusher, surpassing Dorsett's record with a total of 6,279 rushing yards. Williams received numerous accolades, including two unanimous First-Team All-American selections, two Doak Walker Awards (given to the best running back in college football), and two Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year awards.
Ricky Williams' college football journey showcased his extraordinary talent, work ethic, and determination. His records and achievements at the University of Texas remain a testament to his exceptional abilities and his impact on the sport.
Why did Ricky Williams Change his Name:FAQs
Errick Miron was born as Errick Lynne Williams Jr.
Errick Miron excelled in both baseball and football during his time at Patrick Henry High School in San Diego, California.
Errick Miron attended the University of Texas, where he played college football for the Texas Longhorns.
Errick Miron, known as Ricky Williams during his college days, was a two-time unanimous All-American. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1998 and set records for career rushing yards and all-purpose yards in NCAA Division I-A during his senior season.