Sony Michel to honor Ricky Williams with number change in Miami

Sony Michel is entering a new stage of his career after signing with the Miami Dolphins. Joining up with new head coach Mike McDaniel, the running back is hoping to become a staple in what should be an electrifying offense in Miami.

After officially signing for the Dolphins, Michel had to select a number and he eventually decided on No. 34. Legendary running back Ricky Williams used to don the number, something Michel is highly aware of. Michel said if he is going to wear No. 34, he is going to have to “put in some work.”

“Everybody knows, man, this is a great number,” Michel said Tuesday, via Hal Habib of the Palm Beach Post. “Ricky Williams ran the ball hard here. I’m sure he did a lot of numbers (statistics). You know what I’m saying? So I can’t just be rocking it just to rock it. I’ve got to come out here and put in some work.”

Williams spent seven of his 11 year career in Miami, being one of the top running backs in the NFL. He rushed for 6,436 yards and 48 touchdowns for the Dolphins. Even then, two years were missed in the midst of his prime in 2004 and 2006. After winning the Heisman Trophy with Texas, Williams lived up to the hype in Miami.

As for Michel, he will take his first snap with the franchise in September. He is excited to get to work with McDaniel, saying he knows how the head coach values running the football. He cited that reason as to why Miami ended up being his destination.

“He’s a guy, a coach, that believes in running the football, and I do, too, believe in this league to be successful, you have to run the football and stop the run and be committed to it,” Michel said. “And that’s kind of the reason why I came here also.”

Michel spent last season with the Los Angeles Rams, getting a Super Bowl ring with the organization. He rushed for 845 yards and four touchdowns throughout the year. Down the stretch of the regular season, the Rams had Michel be their top running back. Michel had at least 18 carries in the final six games where he was able to eclipse 100 yards on two separate occasions.

Los Angeles was only considered home for one season after being drafted in the first round by the New England Patriots.