Ricky Williams to play in Cincy for 1st time

MIAMI (AP)

Since turning pro in 1999, Ricky Williams has covered a lot of ground. He sought retirement refuge in Australia and India, mounted a career comeback in Canada and has rushed for more than five miles with the Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints.

However, Sunday will be the first time he has played in Cincinnati.

''I was thinking about this,'' the Dolphins running back said Wednesday in a conference call with the Cincinnati media. ''Every year before the season starts, I look around the league and I say, 'OK, there are only a couple of stadiums I've never been to or a couple of towns I've never been to. And Cincinnati is one of them.''

The only other team he hasn't played against: Miami.

Williams is likely to assume an important role in his debut at Paul Brown Stadium. Coming off the bench this season, he has averaged 48 yards rushing per game and 4.3 per carry. The latter figure is higher than his career average of 4.1.

''I feel great,'' said Williams, 33. ''I don't feel like my speed or my power or my desire to play this game has diminished at all.''

Williams has been with the Dolphins since 2002, longer than any other player on the roster. His longevity is a surprise considering he retired for a season in 2004 and played in only one NFL game in 2006-07, when he served a suspension for violating the league's drug program.

During his breaks from the game, he was always eager to pursue other interests. These days he enjoys yoga, teaches meditation and does massage therapy.

Since 2008, Williams has also formed a formidable one-two punch with running back Ronnie Brown.

''Ricky has been a tremendous pro, a tremendous teammate, and he has been good for the young players,'' coach Tony Sparano said.

Notoriously shy, Williams can still show flashes of humor. Teammates loved it this week when he dressed up as former Dolphin Jason Taylor at the team's annual Halloween party.

The Dolphins (3-3) needed a laugh - they're coming off a wrenching loss to Pittsburgh and remain winless at home. But Williams said he's still having fun this season.

''We work hard. It's tough here,'' he said. ''But it's fun because we play with a lot of passion and I really care about the guys on the team, so yeah, I'm enjoying myself.''

The Dolphins' ground game ranked fourth in the league last season, even though Brown missed the final seven games with a foot injury. Williams took over full-time duties and finished with 1,121 yards, his highest total since 2003.

This season Brown has 313 yards and Williams 288, and Miami ranks only 16th in rushing. After acquiring Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall, the Dolphins are throwing more, but they rank next-to-last in the AFC in points per game.

''With the addition of Brandon, we've been trying to find a way to mix the run and the pass,'' Williams said. ''I think the past couple of weeks we're starting to figure it out.''

Williams has 9,180 yards rushing, meaning he would likely need to play another season to reach 10,000 - not that statistical milestones mean that much to him.

He has said he plans to attend medical school when his playing career ends.

''What I would tell young players: As you get older, the best thing you can do is try to have other interests and have opportunities,'' he said. ''I just try to keep my opportunities there, and if I want to keep playing, I think I'm physically and mentally strong enough to keep doing it. And if I don't, I have a lot of other things that I'd like to do.''