Former Texas star and Heisman Winner Ricky Williams legally changes name to Errick Miron

Ricky Williams was valued so much as a football player, the New Orleans Saints traded away their entire draft to select him No. 5 overall. The former Texas great had won the Heisman Trophy and enjoyed a long career in the NFL before calling it quits in 2011.

After being involved with plenty of organizations and movements throughout his post-playing days, Williams has taken on a new challenge. He recently changed his name and is now legally known as Errick Miron.

Williams acknowledged his name change recently, saying the change is in honor of his wife, Linnea, by taking her last name. Errick was always Williams’ first name, given to him at birth. However, he always just went by Ricky.

During an appearance on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, Williams discussed the process of how the entire change went down. He said everything was easy but it’s been impactful in his marriage.

“Something I’ve been thinking about and talking about, and I finally went through the steps,” Williams said. “It was quick and easy, and it felt really meaningful.” 

Williams further discussed how he and his wife Linnea have become even closer since the former Heisman Trophy winner made the legal switch.

“I’ve found that that’s been really powerful in creating ease, intimacy, and trust in my relationship,” Williams said. 

In another chapter of the Ricky Williams story, he thinks making a switch adds another layer to his already interesting life. There seems to be no regret from the former running back.

“To me, this makes the story of Ricky Williams more interesting,” he said.

His football story began back at Texas, where he spent four seasons playing for the Longhorns under head coaches John Mackovic and Mack Brown. He’s the Big 12’s second all-time leading rusher, only behind another Texas player, Cedric Benson. Williams rushed for 6,279 yards and 27 touchdowns during his time in Austin and is considered a Longhorn legend.

During the 1998 season, Williams led the country with 2,124 yards and 25 touchdowns. His efforts won him the Heisman Trophy, being just the second Texas player to ever earn the award alongside Earl Campbell.

Williams was drafted by New Orleans in 1999 and played there for three seasons. The Saints decided to trade the running back to Miami, where Williams spent the majority of his career. He finished with 10,009 rushing yards and 66 touchdowns during his NFL career.