The Dolphins, coming off an embarrassing 1-15 season, are banking that he does.

Williams returned last year, but his comeback lasted less than one half. He gained only 15 yards on six carries before he fumbled, was stepped on and tore his chest muscle against Pittsburgh. Teamed with Ronnie Brown, who was on pace for a career season in 2007 before he tore ligament in his right knee, Miami's running backs have lofty expectations.

The duo is hoping to become the first NFL tandem in 23 years to each rush for 1,000 yards. That feat has not been accomplished in Miami since Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris did it in the 1972 perfect season.

"For myself and Ricky, the positive competition is always good," Brown said. "We're just trying to make each other better."

Somewhere in his travels — including a brief stint in the Canadian Football League — Williams said he found his peace. His dreadlocks and beard are gone, part of "growing up" he says, and his speed seems to have returned.

He wants to go back to college and "find a real job" after football to help support his four children. When pressed about how long he plans to play, he could only mutter, "We'll see."

And that's how it's always been with Williams — wait and see. What could have been a Hall of Fame career had he stayed in the game and stayed clean might always be incomplete.

"If nothing else," Williams said, "I just want to make sure I don't do anything to make it any worse."

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