Williams shows explosiveness, acceleration in training camp debut prior to this week's first pre-season game
The enigmatic Ricky Williams had a little pigskin philosophy to hand out to reporters after his first practice in Mississauga this morning: "Football is football."
Drenched in sweat after his first two-hour practice with the Toronto Argonauts at their University of Toronto at Mississauga (UTM) practice facility, Williams faced a throng of press and stiff-armed their questions like the All-Pro back he was with the Miami Dolphins.
"I just want to come up here, work hard and be a better person," the 29-year-old running back said.
"There are subtle changes, but mostly it's just football," said the former Heisman Trophy winner with the University of Texas. "I just have to get in shape and contribute."
Asked how the first day went, in scorching temperatures and humidity on the practice field, Williams just gave a wry smile and replied, "I made it."
In fact, he looked to be as quick getting into the hole and cutting to the corner as he did in his heyday in the NFL, where he has been banished for this season after four failed drug tests, three of them for marijuana.
"It's great to see a guy you've been watching a long time play in our league," quarterback Damon Allen said following practice. "Everybody thinks he's just a running back but you rarely see a back who's going to catch the way he can," said Allen. "He will be a much better Ricky Williams when he goes back to the NFL."
Both Allen and Offensive Co-ordinator Kent Austin were impressed with how quickly Williams is picking up the offence after signing just Saturday.
"On the first day, he was able to see what we're trying to do and step in and do it," said Allen. "That shows he's football smart."
With a security guard close by, Williams continued to be the most popular man at camp yesterday, signing countless autographs and taking pictures with children from schools.
"It's refreshing," Williams said. "It's great to have the community a part of this team. A lot of the time in the NFL, there is so much attention on football and winning that you forget you represent a town, a city and a community."
Williams will make his CFL debut Friday in the pre-season opener against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.