Ricky Williams offers up some sage advice to Johnny Manziel
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Former NFL running back and Heisman trophy winner Ricky Williams talks about his past and how he dealt with his borderline personality disorder Friday, April 24, 2015 at the Downtown Denver Marriott Center Hotel in Denver, Colorado. Williams spoke to a crowd of over a hundred about vision and what they the theme has meant in his life and career. Williams was the keynote speaker at the 25th anniversary of the Shaka Franklin Foundation which was created by Les Franklin after his son, Shaka, died by suicide in 1990. (Photo By Brent Lewis/The Denver Post via Getty Images) Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after receiving his Aggie Ring during half time of the Southwest Classic at AT&T Stadium on September 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Ricky Williams delivered some words of wisdom to another former Heisman Trophy winner: Johnny Manziel.
Williams believes Manziel should "follow his heart" and consider taking some time to step away from the game.
"When I went to go play in Canada, it got my mind straight, I found my love for football again, I came back and I had another five years to my career," Williams told TMZ.com.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}After violating the league's drug policy four times in 2006, Williams went to Canada and played with the Toronto Argonauts. Williams was granted his request for reinstatement in 2007. While he would play the next season, he had his year of redemption in 2009 when he ran for 1,121 yards and averaged 4.7 yards per carry a game.
If Manziel were to cede to Williams' advice and follow his heart, the Cleveland Browns quarterback might be able to find that magic that made him so special on Saturdays. It's widely expected that the Browns will release Manziel in March when the new league year begins.
Certainly, if that's the case, he can turn to a tweet he offered up in December 2014:
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}As Manziel faces a criminal investigation and lingering off-the-field issues, focusing on himelf before football sounds like a good idea.