Exploring Ricky Williams’ New Business Ventures in Cannabis

Ricky Williams: The Heisman Winner and NFL Legend Credits Cannabis for Helping His NFL Career, New Business Venture

Ricky Williams, the celebrated Heisman Trophy winner and NFL legend, has often found himself at the center of controversy due to his use of cannabis. Suspended five times during his career for testing positive for what was once considered a performance-enhancing drug, Williams has now become a vocal advocate for cannabis. He credits it not only for extending his professional football career but also for helping him manage stress and recover from the game’s physical demands. Today, Williams is channeling his experiences into a new business venture, reshaping perceptions of marijuana and its role in sports.

Ricky Williams’ Time with the New Orleans Saints

Williams’ professional journey began with a bang when, in 1999, New Orleans Saints head coach Mike Ditka traded multiple draft picks to select him fifth overall. The pressure mounted immediately, intensified by a controversial ESPN magazine photo shoot featuring Williams in a wedding dress alongside Ditka. Reflecting on those early days, Williams said, “I was stressed out, but I had no idea I was stressed out. Anyone who decides to be a college or professional football player thrives on stress.”

Cannabis’ Role in Williams Managing Stress and Pain

Williams first turned to cannabis after a breakup with a college girlfriend. Over time, it became a tool for self-discovery and stress management. “We’re not chess pieces. We’re human beings, and to be so good at something requires a whole lot of stress. And the fact that we are using cannabis and it’s helping us create the product on the field that people love, that’s something to be celebrated, not punishing the players,” he emphasized.

Despite missing two NFL seasons due to suspensions, Williams believes cannabis was instrumental in prolonging his 11-year career. “Having cannabis in my life helped me appreciate, enjoy, and recover from the brutal game of professional football,” Williams shared.

Ricky Williams’ Journey into Developing the Highsman Brand

Transitioning from the field to business, Ricky Williams launched Highsman, a cannabis lifestyle brand now with stores and distribution nationwide. “Highsman is a cannabis lifestyle brand,” Ricky explains. “Back when I played for the Saints, cannabis wasn’t legal in all 50 states. Now, it’s a part of my wellness routine, helping me manage stress and recover faster.”

His advocacy extends beyond his brand. Williams shares stories of how cannabis has positively impacted athletes’ lives, including that of his former teammate, Kyle Turley. “Cannabis saved his life,” Ricky recalls. “It’s great for medicinal purposes, and now sports leagues are starting to understand that it’s not a performance-enhancing substance.”

Williams’ advocacy began long before he became a business owner. One pivotal moment occurred when his former teammate, Kyle Turley, invited him to speak at a cannabis conference in Phoenix. Initially hesitant, Ricky quickly reconsidered. “Two thoughts popped into my head. The first thought was, ‘There are cannabis conferences at convention centers?’ Like, wow! Then the second thought was, ‘What am I afraid of? Everybody knows that I smoke weed anyway.’ It was a wonderful decision because it was the first time that I sat in front of people in public and told my story.”

Highsman Cannabis: The Lifestyle

“So I tried to create Highsman as a brand that’s really about my lifestyle. That lifestyle means doing everything I can to be the best person that I can. For me, that includes Highsman Cannabis in my regimen. And so, we’re selling cannabis, but I think more importantly, we’re selling a lifestyle,” Ricky explains.

He is on a mission to change the stigma around cannabis use. “For so long, we weren’t allowed to talk about it,” he says. “My attempt is to change all of that, to say we can talk about it in an empowering, uplifting way.” He believes that open discussions about cannabis can help people use it responsibly and benefit from its positive effects.

Changing Perceptions in Sports

Ricky Williams is not just a former NFL star and legend—he’s also a pioneer in the cannabis industry. As the NCAA recently struck down the inclusion of cannabis as a performance-enhancing drug, Williams believes he and others advocating for its benefits played a significant role in this change. “While this decision is a step in the right direction, it is crucial that we provide athletes, coaches, and the broader sports community with accurate information about cannabis,” Williams expressed. Understanding both the benefits and potential negative side effects, as well as promoting responsible consumption, is essential.

Ricky Williams’ journey from the football field to the business world is a testament to his resilience and vision. By leveraging his experiences and advocating for the benefits of cannabis, he is helping to change perceptions and promote a healthier lifestyle for athletes and the general public alike. “At Highsman, our tagline is ‘Spark Greatness,’ and that’s what we’re doing,” Williams says, underscoring his commitment to both his brand and his mission.