Why Ricky Williams is Pretty Darn Extraordinary

Just like Mr. Rogers told us: look for the helpers.

Right now, media consumption - the bleak realities of headlines, the intentionality of false narratives, the feelings of helplessness while reading - feels awful. Each day seems to bring more grim and disturbing information that we're all trying to make sense of while navigating the pressures of every day life. Unrest and uncertainty are everywhere; I see the toll it's taking on the people around me.

So, how do we fix this? How do we find the balance that we need during the dark days? Mr. Rogers once told us that we need to look for the helpers.  That act, that mindset, that intention - that's what we need to keep hope alive, to feel nourished by our own humanity. That's what we need to get back up and do it all again tomorrow.  

I found something a few weeks ago that broke the pattern. When we find disruption that guides and furthers truths for the greater good, we celebrate it, alongside others who are seeking the same thing. And that's what keeps us tethered and believing in the fact the good will prevail over evil, the glory of the sun will rise again tomorrow with the promise of a new day, and that we are all connected.  

Ricky Williams.  He is the helper that so many need. 

In a recent Freakonomics 2-part interview, "Is Weed a Performance-Enhancing Drug?" host Stephen J. Dubner interviewed Ricky Williams (RW) among other professional athletes, scholars, and influencers about the concept of performance enhancements in sports. It was an informative interview, one that grabbed my attention because every day, I work to help people make informed decisions about cannabis. Ricky Williams is a well-known cannabis advocate; I'm often moved by his words and perspective. This one hit in the just the right moment. Many associate Ricky Williams with an unwavering commitment to cannabis, but that's not quite right.  He does have an unwavering commitment...it's to healing and inspiring that in others. It wasn't just one thing from his recent interview; it was a bundle of extraordinary.  

1. RW's first statement in this episode, in reference to cannabis is, "I would say it is a healing thing."

Ricky Williams is clear about his beliefs. 

2. His first consumption experience is straight out of an after-school special and his description was deliciously detailed.  

His words are wrapped up in his humanness.  

3. RW describes how he asks other people about their experiences - "the first [time] that [cannabis] said something to you." 

This part is so important and it's often overlooked.  He leads with it. This moved me. 

4. He refers to his consumption in those college days as "unlocking," and how we talk about cannabis - the actual language - matters. 

RW is normalizing a key aspect of plant medicine.

5. "And I said no. I put it back on them to have to make a decision." (about NFL drug testing)

Even when it was hard, he was true to himself. 

6. He's long-been considered one of the best for a reason.  And while consuming cannabis, he was very very very very very very very good at his profession. 

Some say he's one of the best running backs of all time. 

7. It takes courage to admit truths about ourselves. "It’s time for another part of myself to be developed."

His vulnerability is strength.  Over and over and over again. 

8. He's an accomplished professional athlete that prioritizes talking about trauma, "mental, physical, and existential (referencing the hero-man archetype) trauma."

In a world of hyper masculinity, he chooses to speak about the things that often go unspoken.

9. He intentionally uses his status to normalize conversations around cannabis, showing that he really understands the cannabis landscape and wants access to further healing.

He has and continues to use his voice to inform and inspire, even when the stakes are high. His truths can help others and he knows that. 

10. He is brave.

And that is extraordinary.    

In today's bleakness, when it feels harder to see and appreciate the helpers because of the heavy-heartedness of life, I found myself even more moved by him because...he is truly a helper. From my heart to yours, thank you, Mr. Williams. 

-Angela Speakman

Contact Elucidation Strategies for cannabis education services.