In short
Ricky Williams’ “Playing Days Stories” (Part 1) mixes discussion of Texas marijuana/THC legislation and how legalization is monetized, plus NFL-era weed use as stress relief, and then shifts into veteran pranks/hazing stories and offensive-line/football technique talk.
Guests
Ricky Williams (former NFL running back; Heisman Trophy winner; record-setting college rusher; later NFL success including a Miami “groove” year) and Ocho (podcast host/“Ocho” persona; former NFL player, speaking as a veteran about rookie hazing/pranks).
Key claims
Texas is trying to ban THC products outright while opening medical programs that may exclude many previously incarcerated people; licensing can create a “monetize first, include later” dynamic. Williams says he started using marijuana in the NFL due to stress and introversion, and regrets not advocating publicly sooner. He frames smoking as helping him “recharge” to perform.
Notable examples
Williams says he began smoking in New Orleans (second year). He describes leading the league in rushing in Miami. Ocho recounts prank “rookie night” dinner bills (e.g., $38,000 for Williams; other teams’ receipts like ~$22,000).
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VORicky Williams on Living Arrangements
0:00 to 0:34
Ricky Williams discusses his current residence and thoughts on Texas legislation regarding marijuana.
“When you're moving like I do, you don't always get a lot of lead time.”
Ricky Williams on Living Arrangements
2:11 to 3:56
Ricky Williams discusses his current residence and thoughts on Texas legislation regarding marijuana.
“Well, we got something that you might can help us out on.”
The Injustice of Licensing
3:56 to 4:49
Ricky and the hosts talk about the issues surrounding marijuana licensing and incarceration.
“And we done spent time in jail for that.”
Expectations and the NFL Draft
4:49 to 6:50
Ricky shares his experience with the NFL draft and the expectations that came with it.
“I mean, speaking of what you're talking about, Chad, there are a lot of people in prison still that shouldn't be in prison.”
The Role of Marijuana in Stress Relief
6:50 to 8:14
Ricky explains how he started using marijuana to cope with stress and expectations in the NFL.
“And once anybody, look, once someone finds they can make some money off it, they're going to make money off it.”
The Stigma of Marijuana Use
8:14 to 14:01
Ricky discusses the stigma around marijuana use during his career and its impact on him.
“I mean, you look, California has always been very, very liberal, very open minded.”
Ricky's Football Experience
14:01 to 15:08
Ricky Williams shares his love for football and the conflict with smoking.
“Being on the field, I love being on the field.”
The Impact of Medicinal Use
15:09 to 16:27
Discussion on the medicinal use of cannabis and its acceptance in the NFL.
“And the thing I think about more is the people, the players, the guys now in the league who, because things have changed, who can?”
NFL Pain Management Debate
16:28 to 18:16
Debate on the NFL's pain management practices and the need for cannabis.
“And I think, and that's what I've, I've seen the biggest effect I've had is people can talk about this now when I'm in the room.”
Pranking Rookies in the NFL
21:25 to 23:19
Funny stories about pranking rookie players during team outings.
“Seahawks rookie DT, Byron Murphy II, took his teammates out for dinner and was pranked with a fake dinner bill of$155 ,000.”
Show all 19 chapters
Rookie Hazing Traditions
23:20 to 27:43
Discussing the traditions of hazing and how rookies are treated.
“You know, me, I had a limo, you know, because I ain't wanting nobody because they're going to go other places.”
NFL Rule Changes Discussion
27:44 to 28:00
Exploring proposed changes to NFL rules regarding playoff spots.
“It's funny, um, because the past, the time, it's like grown men, we behave like eight, seven and eight-year-olds.”
NFL Playoff Structure Discussion
28:00 to 30:22
Explore the implications of NFL playoff seeding and division wins.
“So, listen, they're going to Minnesota, right?”
Teron's Record-Breaking 40-Yard Dash
33:08 to 36:44
Hear the story behind Teron's legendary combine performance and its impact.
“So now we're 13 years and counting, 2013 to 2015, and Teron still held that record.”
Transitioning from Player to Retired Life
36:44 to 40:18
Discuss the challenges and realizations of retiring from professional football.
“Because most of the time, obviously, you know, playing offensive line is all about your hand placement and your footwork.”
Understanding Offensive Line Dynamics
40:18 to 42:01
Explore the importance of practice and teamwork for offensive linemen.
“But the thing is, as Ocho was saying, it takes a space.”
Offensive Linemen Dynamics
42:01 to 51:20
Discussing the intricacies of offensive linemen's techniques and teamwork.
“Listen, I'm not about to keep doing that, man.”
Offensive Linemen Dynamics
51:50 to 52:15
Discussing the intricacies of offensive linemen's techniques and teamwork.
“Before heading to the game in Eugene, take a moment to enjoy the journey and explore Tualatin Valley, located just west of Portland and north of Eugene.”
Offensive Linemen Dynamics
52:23 to 53:26
Discussing the intricacies of offensive linemen's techniques and teamwork.
“They set standards, broke records, empowered people to build bigger and higher, to dig deeper, to make the impossible possible.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Shannon Sharpe:When you're moving like I do, you don't always get a lot of lead time. Trips come together fast for production shoots, brand appearances or filming, and I've got to be ready to go. That's where Amazon Prime can make the difference. When something comes up, you can get what you need, like carry-on chargers, noise-canceling headphones, so you're ready to show up for it. With same-day delivery, those essentials can show up in time to still make it happen, so you can focus on the opportunity. That's what I like about Prime. It makes it easy to say yes when the moment shows up. Same-day delivery, it's on Prime, available in select areas.
0:33Shannon Sharpe:Terms apply. Visit amazon.com slash prime to find millions of items delivered fast. Some people use ChatGPT to answer questions. Others use it to get real work done. With ChatGPT work, you bring the goal, plus real inputs like briefs, notes, files, feedback, data, and project plans. It can help turn them into an analysis, tracker, deck outline, prototype, or workflow you can review and keep shaping. You stay in control, giving direction and choosing the final output. Put ChatGPT to work on your most ambitious ideas and projects. Get started at ChatGPT.com by selecting work mode. Available on Plus and Pro plans.
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1:51Located just west of Portland, and north of Eugene. Sip world-class Pinot Noir, soak in picturesque views, and craft a game day trip you'll talk about all season. Take the scenic route to Tualatin Valley and make every mile part of the game. Learn more at etvor.com slash fans.
2:11Shannon Sharpe:Ricky, we got something. You know, you're from San Diego. Where do you live now? Are you back in San Diego? You in Texas? You in Miami? I live in Northern California. You live in Northern California now? Yeah. Oh, okay. Well, we got something that you might can help us out on. You recently spoke at Legislation Texas. They're trying to ban marijuana products. I guess it's products will have the THC in it, correct?
2:38Ricky Williams:I mean, yes. It's not supposed to, and that's why it's an issue, is that pretty much you can go to a gas station in Texas and get THC. Well, damn. Yeah.
2:49Shannon Sharpe:And they try. So they don't like in California. You have these like these specialty shops. You have cannabis shops that you go into and you can buy, you know, obviously you can buy, I don't know, Graham or whatever the case may be. I mean, you can probably speak to that a little better than I can. But so what are they trying to, like, take it completely out or they're trying to get like restricted where you have to go to a specific place and not just your arbitrary gas station?
3:14Ricky Williams:It's both. But it's a little extreme. they're trying to ban it 100 % and they're going to, they say they're going to open up the medical program. And I think it's a good idea to open up the medical program, but I think it's a little, it's a little too much to say to ban it a hundred percent. It does need to be regulated more, but not banned.
3:33Shannon Sharpe:But you do realize that when like, when they open it up for medical purposes, or so they say medicinal purposes, you know, only a select group of people get those licenses, right? You know that, you know, it is, you know, what we have been incarcerated for for two, five, 10, 15 years. Now we got, you know, we're selling a little nickel bag or a little grab, whatever the case may be. Now they get a license and they get to capitalize on it and make millions and millions and millions of dollars. And then we get cut out. And we done spent time in jail for that.
4:05Ricky Williams:Yeah, it's real. It's real. And then the funny, the funny thing about it is they don't allow things to pass or they don't allow, they don't legalize things until they're able to monetize on it. Yeah. Once they find they can attach you on it. That's exactly how it is. And obviously you understand the other aspect, the other dynamic of certain people, obviously of color, who have used it as a way of survival, as a means to provide. They've been locked up, you know, for years and we understand how that goes. It's always a double-sided sword in a sense, But hopefully those that are able to use it for medicinal purposes and everyone is given the opportunity to get those licenses when the time comes.
4:48Ricky Williams:Yeah. I mean, speaking of what you're talking about, Chad, there are a lot of people in prison still that shouldn't be in prison. But also most states, because when the movement first started, most of the people were liberal. um so when the movement first started they made sure in a lot of the legislations that people who have been incarcerated or felonies have easier access they can if you've been incarcerated for a cannabis non-violent cannabis related offense in a lot of states you have easier acts you can get access to a license okay that's nice that's cool okay it is but the issue is most of those people can't afford or don't have the expertise to be able to do anything with those licenses right right so what yeah so it don't really work i was i was talking to someone and
5:34Shannon Sharpe:they said look when we get when we get a license us people that look like me you and ricky don't be selling your homeboy a pound do what you do to god like do the guy ocho i'm talking to somebody that's kind of in that business and to keep the business above the board when your homeboy come don't sell him a pound sell him what you're supposed to sell keep it above the board so you get to keep your license i know you're home but come on bro ain't nobody gonna know yes they're gonna know because as soon as you get jammed up do what you're gonna say ocho to keep yourself from getting 10 to 15 you're gonna dime your partner out he gonna lose his license they're gonna shut him down every time so if we were if we're fortunate enough to be in those positions Let's just do right.
6:21Shannon Sharpe:Hey, keep that money flow going. Because like you said, that's a cash business. Big one. A big one at that. And it's just like alcohol, prohibition. They ran bootleg moonshine and all that stuff. And they said, hold on. We keep bust. Let's just, hey, let them make it. And let's tax their ass on it. The same thing with cigarettes. Let's tax them. We could get some. Oh, this is a billion and billion and billion dollar business. instead of hiring all these people to try to bust the steel and cut the trees down, we can monetize it. And once anybody, look, once someone finds they can make some money off it, they're going to make money off it.
7:02Shannon Sharpe:It's really that simple. And, but I'm glad, you know, Rick, let me ask you this. Had the laws and the way people look at, because when I was younger and growing up and in the league, marijuana was a stigma. People frowned upon it. And it's not nearly that. I mean, now, hey, California, they walk around, they be smoking outside, and it ain't nothing. How different do you think your career would have been had you been allowed to, you know, partake?
7:40Ricky Williams:You know, I think it would have been a lot different because just, you know, off the field, just all the trouble I was in all the time and the hits of my reputation at the time, it was so stressful that it, I'm sure if things were going better and I was allowed to be myself, that I would have been able to perform at even a higher level, no pun intended. But no, but seriously, because I think we only have so much energy and when things are stressing us out, that's energy that's being wasted, that could be going to something different. Right.
8:14Shannon Sharpe:I mean, you look, California has always been very, very liberal, very open minded. I mean, you go to the Bay and the hippies and the yuppies and they had Woodstock and all that other stuff going on. Do you think your upbringing, do you think where you was where you was raised at played a role in you being so, you know, open and partaking in marijuana? And did you smoke in high school? Did you smoke in college? When did this, your love, your infatuation, or whatever the case you might want to call it, when did your love or when did you first partake in marijuana?
8:46Ricky Williams:The first time, it was a high school, but I wasn't a smoker. I didn't really become a smoker until I got into the league. Because it was stigmatizing. You know, I was an athlete, and growing up, the one thing that my grandma, everybody said, right, don't throw it away for drugs. So, you know, I tried. I listened. I tried to listen. so so but it wasn't until it wasn't until later and I definitely think when I was 13 um my my mom my stepdad was uh was a roster and so he would smoke every night it just was part of his routine and my my auntie she had a she had a tree in her in her kitchen so it was around me so I was I was desensitized to it like you know I think if people aren't around it and they just hear the stigma that's all they have to go on so I was around it and the people that I that my stepdad and my auntie people I probably liked the most in the whole world and and they smoked so I but I again I wasn't partaking when I was young but I I was open to it um I wasn't against it I wasn't anti right um yeah I'm really curious you say you hadn't smoked when you I mean obviously most of the time when it comes to people having certain habits it comes from their surroundings and their upbrings but the fact that you you know had the discipline not to be interested in it while you were young, but once you got to the NFL, did you use it in the NFL because of injuries, because of stress?
10:11I mean, is there a specific reason?
10:12Ricky Williams:It was stress. I think the reason I hadn't used it up until that point because life was good. I wasn't really stressed about anything. I didn't need it. And I got to the point where things got really stressful, and I realized that this helped me. Because everybody knows I'm a shy person, I'm an introverted person, and something about smoking, I just get to be with myself. And I feel like I get energy. I get energy from that, and it helps me.
10:41Shannon Sharpe:Well, the situation, Rick, I think the thing is you said the expectations, and we're going to get into this, where Mike Dicker gave up his entire draft class to select you. You know that had never been done in the history of sports. I mean, basically that was Aesop giving his kingdom away for a horse. And the expectations that came along now, you're supposed to be the greatest NFL running back because you look at all the running backs, Jim Brown and Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith and Eric Dickinson, all those guys, they got slotted. The man gave up his whole entire draft class to select you. So now that comes along.
11:13Shannon Sharpe:I mean, you're a Heisman Trophy winning running back. You had the most rushing yards in college history. So now I'm a Heisman Trophy winner. I got the most rushing yards. A guy just gave up his entire draft class for me. That's a lot of expectations on a running back. Did that play any role?
11:32Ricky Williams:honestly if i'm being real you can call me ungrateful but i don't think i even got to the point of realizing the expectations because i was so disappointed that i slid to the number five spot oh okay wow okay so i was like i was in shock i mean after that like i don't even remember what happened i don't even remember because just what you said you know to me i thought I had I had made the case and not even to be the best in the future but that I was the best at least I had the potential to be the best because of the track my track record so I thought I should have been the first pick and I wasn't uh and then and the edger was pick number four what hall of fame career but I wasn't even the first running back pick so so I mean again I remember sitting there and I was spinning and I remember saying them saying something about picks or something, something, you know.
12:25Ricky Williams:Mike Dickus, I'm with a cigar, and then I was on an airplane headed to New Orleans.
12:30Shannon Sharpe:Did you get hot? Did you get hot that night?
12:33Ricky Williams:I wasn't smoking then.
12:35Shannon Sharpe:You weren't smoking then. So you didn't start smoking until you got to what, Miami?
12:41Ricky Williams:I started smoking in New Orleans. Started smoking my second year in New Orleans.
12:47Shannon Sharpe:Did you have, was it injury related? I mean, you talk about you're an introverted person. I mean, I think I remember you was talking and you always had your face mask. You had your helmet on and you had the dark shield. And, you know, everybody was like, damn, what's going on? Ricky seems like, you know, this is what they were saying. They said, man, that dude weird, man. Who gives an interview with the helmet on? We can't see his eyes. We don't know what he's thinking. You know, people would like for you to make eye contact. And you were like, wow, okay, this is different. But, hey, to each of them, the man did win a Heisman.
13:20Shannon Sharpe:He was, you know, won all these awards, the dope walker. So, hey, it's hard to argue the man has had success doing it that way.
13:31Ricky Williams:It's not the same, though. I mean, my time in college and my time in the NFL were completely different. And basically it was just people's orientation towards me. Okay. You know, because as a sensitive person, that's what it means. It means, like, I need to be around people that feel me. Because if I'm around people that don't feel me, then it's hard for me to feel myself. And so I was around people that didn't feel me. All I could feel myself was I go home with my homies, right? Smoke a little bit and get on the game just to relax, just to give it, just to, again, recharge so I can get up and go do it again.
14:04Ricky Williams:Being on the field, I love being on the field. Nothing better, nothing to me. There was no better feeling in the whole wide world. And I'm talking about practice. There was no better feeling in the whole wide world for me than to be on that football field. Nothing. And that's all I wanted to do. But all the other stuff, it just made it almost to the point where it wasn't worth it. And so I realized if I wasn't smoking, connecting, I would have gave up the game. You know, it's funny, and Rick, when I think about it, as great as you were in college, as great as you were in the NFL, just imagine if they were a little bit more lenient with the rules and allowing you to smoke, let's say, for medicinal purposes.
14:44You know, if it's something that you have an issue and you it makes you feel a little bit more comfortable and being able to operate and do your job on a day to day basis. You know, you who knows what you what you could have done because you were smoking weed and doing damage and running like crazy. So I could just imagine, do you ever sit back and think about and have regrets in the way things turned out or went? And if you could rewind the time and do it all over again, would you make a different choice as far as smoking is concerned?
15:16Ricky Williams:You know, I think about this a lot. And the thing I think about more is the people, the players, the guys now in the league who, because things have changed, who can? Yes. Who can? It's not so much pressure. And I feel like I have something to do with opening that door. And to me, that makes all of it worth it. And as far as regrets, I can say this now because I've lived and I'm living now, is I wish that I would have taken more of an advocacy role at the time. Because what you're saying is true. I mean, that's real. I wasn't hurting anybody. I was just taking care of myself so I could go deliver the product that they were expecting me to deliver.
15:58Ricky Williams:And I did. I mean, when I got to Miami and I got into my groove, you know, I led the league in Russian, all pro. Um, and so I think, and to me, the league, we go out there and put our bodies and our minds and our hearts on the line, and they should give us all reasonable means to be able to take care of ourselves, to be able to do that. And I, and I wish I would have been courageous enough at the time to say that publicly, because whether people believe it or not, once you say something publicly and people are hearing it, it starts the conversation. And I think, and that's what I've, I've seen the biggest effect I've had is people can talk about this now when I'm in the room.
16:36Ricky Williams:They're almost expected to talk about it when I'm in the room. So it makes it easier.
16:42Shannon Sharpe:Yeah, I think the thing here, Ricky, is that it was a stigma, and the more people started to talk about it, and you started to have more prominent people. You started to have people like yourself, or you had some of the Hollywood elites start talking about it and the medicinal purposes that it had. And I've heard people that talk about, oh, you got no problem giving these guys shots. You got no problem giving these guys painkillers, getting them addicted to something and then when they lead the league they still need that and they can't get that and they're crashing out why can't you allow them to smoke marijuana calm them down take the pain away because at the end of the day they're trying their glist is a gladiator sport this is not a contact sport this is a collision sport there are no winners they're only survivors in this game and so if if you're going to hey take this viking and take this percocet take this take this Toradol, take this and that, and all these anti-inflammatories, which is more dangerous to the body, which is more harmful to the body, which is causing more harm and breaking the body down even more than this.
17:45Shannon Sharpe:Why not have a conversation? And I think the NFL, they did open their mind. They started doing a little bit of their own research because obviously, you know, they don't want to make sure they don't want to get sued down the line. They started doing some research, and I think they came to the conclusion that you and many in your area, Rick, had already known.
18:05Ricky Williams:Yeah. Yeah, it takes time. So I feel like I was a pioneer. And I'm being rewarded for it now. So it feels like it's working.
18:15Shannon Sharpe:But see, Rick, I don't know, man. You might have been smoking that scuny. You might have been on that Khalifa Kush. You might have been on that boat. If you'd have had that old home, bro, that would never show up in your system. You could have just been... When you're moving like I do, trips don't always come together weeks in advance. Sometimes production shoots, interviews, or something I've got to travel for on a short notice. Like the time when I had the last minute trip to Denver and everything came together fast. Once it was locked in, I had to be ready to go. That's where Amazon Prime can make a difference.
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19:58Your away game road trip doesn't start at the kickoff. It starts on the road. Before heading to the game in Eugene, take a moment to enjoy the journey and explore Tualatin Valley. Located just west of Portland and north of Eugene. Sip world-class Pinot Noir, soak in picturesque views, and craft a game day trip you'll talk about all season. Take the scenic route to Tualatin Valley and make every mile part of the game. Learn more at etvor.com slash fans. ChatGPT can do more than answer questions. It can help you get real work done. ChatGPT work is built for bigger projects with multiple steps. You bring the goal along with the information it needs, like briefs, notes, files, feedback, calendars, data sets, or project plans.
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21:28Shannon Sharpe:Seahawks rookie DT, Byron Murphy II, took his teammates out for dinner and was pranked with a fake dinner bill of$155 ,000. That was funny, but... His reaction was priceless. His actual dinner bill wasn't much better. It was$38 ,000. Hey, that's good. Ocho, did y 'all ever prank the rooks? Listen, I had, I mean, as when I was a veteran, I didn't make the rookies do rookie night. I did. Now, when I was a rookie, I'll never forget Peter Ward, Darnay Scott, Ron Dugans, Danny Farmer was there at the time, TJ. now I had to pay for Ricky dinner that night. I can't remember what the price was, but it was a little hefty, but$38 ,000, thinking about that, that ain't much, y 'all.
22:19That ain't much. When you look at some of the linemen, when the linemen go out, man, I've seen some of those receipts when them boys go out.
22:30Shannon Sharpe:Boy, it'd be expensive. Well, you start ordering that King Louis. They do it on purpose. $500,$1 ,000 a shot. They do it on purpose. You get like 15 shots of that. And then they're going to order a bottle of wine that end up costing like 10 grand. Yes. You get the lobster. You know, they bring the lobster around on the wagon. The lobster this big. I know y 'all have seen it. They bring the lobster around in the wagon. Right. He think he's going for a ride. Little do he know.
23:04Shannon Sharpe:Hey, they don't be playing, boy. They don't be playing. Look,
23:10Shannon Sharpe:Portis and Ashley Lillie, they're rookie night out. We hit them for about 22 ,000. See, that ain't bad. You know, me, I had a limo, you know, because I ain't wanting nobody because they're going to go other places. I had a relationship. Y 'all not finna get me broken up in the middle of the season.
23:38Shannon Sharpe:I know. I know my limitations. I know my limitations. I ain't fooling with y 'all. Same thing I tell my homeboys when they come. You know, hey, Sharp, come on, let's go. No, bro. No, no, no, no, no, no. You're not going to mess with my home and leave. Right, right. No, absolutely not. I give some of my teeth. Hey, bro, you going out? Yeah, man. Hey, my homeboys in town. Man, Sharp, you know we got them. Hey. All right. There you go. You good. Yeah. But other than that, Ocho. Yeah. Now, listen, if you're a rookie and you're not only a rookie and you're a first round pick, man, listen. Oh, we're Ricky Cross and Crow.
24:15Shannon Sharpe:Because I got a limo. I got a limo because I got a limo by myself. Dad is in a limo for me because I wasn't going out with them. I wasn't going out with them afterwards. So I needed a limo that was going to take me back because I want a no, no, no, no. I'm going home. but you know back then I think you had to get a limo for like for like 5-6 hours, 7 hours it was probably like$100 an hour it wasn't no sweat like that but the only thing I made sure I wouldn't let you get stuff to take home, I don't care if you're mom, I don't care if you're dad, I don't care if anything you're not getting stuff no no no no we're not going to do that strictly us us, us, us so that was like$22 ,000.
25:02Shannon Sharpe:I mean, you know, the guys order King Lloyd, they order, you know, like a 15th Petrus bottle of, you know, wine or Rothschild, whatever it was. They get a couple of bottles of that. I said, bro, y 'all... And you know, they got to get the most expensive steak, they got to get the lobster, they got to get everything. So, it didn't cost them, I mean,$22 ,000 wasn't that much. But, oh, yeah, you're going to pay. Oh, yeah. If somebody said, oh, I wouldn't pay, oh, yeah, you would. Oh, we're going to take it out your check. You're going to pay. You're going to pay. We're not going to allow you a tradition that's been handed down, the first round draft pick, second round draft pick.
25:46Shannon Sharpe:A lot of times, we let them, y 'all pull together. A lot of times, the first round, they had to pay dinner for himself. I remember they hit my brother. I think they hit my brother for like 12, 13 grand. but the thing is is that you got to do that if you're a rookie you've got to bring donuts you got to bring breakfast sandwiches you got to bring food to the plane I did it you don't know how many times I'm hustling and bustling I'm dressed like Jethro Bodine tie hanging all up pants about to fall up my ass man don't you don't laugh don't you because I got to go man he want Kentucky Fried Chicken.
26:25Shannon Sharpe:He want Popeyes. He want this. I got to go all to the place, man. Oh, hell no. That's why I was like, I got to make the team. All this they got me doing, I would have somebody doing this ish for me. Hell, please. Hell, nah. But we did all that rookie singing. I went big into the hazing. We make rookie saying we might steal their car and drive that off or something like that. But I ain't cut nobody hair Because ain't nobody cutting my hair Because it really Cut my hair It's going to be a problem So we're not going to do that We didn't cut anybody hair You know at Baltimore We take the rookies to the goalpost Put them in the cold tub Yeah we tape them up And put them in the cold tub Stuff like that But mainly we make them sing Not your album I don't want to hear about your fight song I don't want to hear about your album modern.
27:24Shannon Sharpe:You got to sing some Luther Vandross, Barry White. I don't care. Sing something. Hey, whatever you know the words to. Other than your damn fight song. So, uh, but yeah, but that was, that was, uh, yeah, uh, that was back in the day. That was back in, yeah, we used to steal people's cars and stuff like that. It's funny, um, because the past, the time, it's like grown men, we behave like eight, seven and eight-year-olds. Yep, little kids, yep. uh oh there's some good Almond Ross St. Brown thinks the NFL should make a rule change let's take a listen to the change he recommends okay
28:04Ricky Williams:the rule should be changed obviously if you win a division you know you should obviously make a playoff spot but having a 14-win team
28:13Shannon Sharpe:having to go on the road is kind of crazy but I guess you know I don't make the rules so okay no we're not going to change the rules because y 'all might lose the game if you're a 14-win team and go on the road that ain't how we do it. It's been like that, Ocho. So, listen, they're going to Minnesota, right? They play Minnesota tomorrow. Oh, Minnesota comes to them. Yes. They already beat Minnesota on the walk-off. They kicked the field goal. I remember. But what is he complaining about then? Because they might lose, be 14-0, and they have to start the season on the road. I know. Yeah, listen, that's nothing you should even worry about.
28:48Especially that goddamn high-powered offense. There should be nothing you worry about, whether you're playing home on the way. I understand the advantage that teams have playing at home. But, listen, the way y 'all rocking offensively right now, I wouldn't care if we was playing in the Sahara Desert. As long as Dan Campbell is my coach and he got that wheelbarrow with them cojones, he carrying them every time he's coaching, I'm not tripping. I am not tripping. Yeah, he – so I don't agree.
29:20Shannon Sharpe:I think you and I both, we don't agree because the rules are the rules. We're not going to change the rules because we have an anomaly. How many times a 14-win team has had to start on the road? So one time it happened in the 100-plus year history, now we're going to make a rule. Nah, we're not going to do that. It was a great suggestion. But the team and how y 'all are playing on the road and at home, it really don't matter. it don't matter so no what he's saying to Ocho is that if if we have a better record right a division winner we should be at home and they should have to go on the road okay no they won the division that's the reward you get for winning the division is that you get to play at least one game at home at home yeah I see what he's saying when you're moving like I do trips don't always come together weeks in advance sometimes production shoots interviews or something I've got to travel for on a short notice, like the time when I had the last minute trip to Denver and everything came together fast.
30:22Shannon Sharpe:Once it was locked in, I had to be ready to go. That's where Amazon Prime can make a difference. When something comes together quickly, you can get what you need like grooming essentials, neck pillow, eye mask, even snacks for the flights. So you're ready to show up for it. With same day delivery, all those items show up on time and still make the trip so you can show up and focus on why you're there and not everything around it. Because at that point, it's not just about getting there. It's about making the most of the opportunity in front of you. That's what I like about Prime. It makes it easy to say yes when the moment shows up.
30:56Shannon Sharpe:Same day delivery, it's on Prime, available in select areas. Terms apply. Visit Amazon.com slash Prime to find millions of items delivered fast. It's the difference between trying to talk to your friends over the music at a bar and having dinner where you can actually hear each other. Between getting food delivered and cooking something you know she's going to love. It's the difference between a rough nicotine pouch and On Plus nicotine pouches with Nico Silk Mash. No corners, no rough edges. Just the softest pouch on the planet. On Plus nicotine pouches. It's the difference that changes everything.
31:31Not all varieties available in all geographies. Warning, this product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. Hey, sports fans. Your away game road trip doesn't start at the kickoff. It starts on the road. Before heading to the game in Eugene, take a moment to enjoy the journey and explore Tualatin Valley, located just west of Portland and north of Eugene. Sip world-class Pinot Noir, soak in picturesque views, and craft a game day trip you'll talk about all season. Take the scenic route to Tualatin Valley and make every mile part of the game. Learn more at etvor.com slash fans. ChatGPT can do more than answer questions.
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33:08Shannon Sharpe:in the 2013 combine Teron recorded the fastest 40 for an offensive lineman in combine history a record that still stands to this day it was close Lane Johnson ran 472 but Teron's record of 471 is close and if I'm not mistaken they're the only two offensive linemen that's running the 47s there have been a couple of run low 48s but no other lineman other than Teron at 471, Lane Johnson at 472, offensive linemen have been in the 47s. So now we're 13 years and counting, 2013 to 2015, and Teron still held that record. Teron, look, you're coming out of Arkansas Pine Bluff, and it's not like it used to be.
33:55Shannon Sharpe:There used to be a plethora of guys coming out of HBCUs, and so that would have been nothing. But here it is now. we're in the 2010s and we get an offensive lineman, you're a three-time SWAC, all-conference player, and you go to the combine. What were your expectations? Did you know you had this kind of ability in you? Yeah, for sure, for sure. I knew I had the talent and the speed and agility to showcase. I just had to get to the showcase. So it was really huge for me to get that combine invite. That was monumental for me trying to get more exposure, to get more eyes to my tape. So I knew that I was going to go.
34:35I was going for the record for sure. Like before I even, before we got to Indy, I was going for the record. I wanted to run faster, honestly, than that. But I'll take the 4.7. Big 4.305, that's moving now. Listen, that's what I would get ready to ask you. I would get ready to ask you how tall you were and how much you weighed to be able to run that fast. Listen, I ain't run number 4.5. So technically, well, you right there with me. I'm right there on your neck. I was 6 '5", 306, I believe, 304 at the combine.
35:06Shannon Sharpe:Wow. So you knew – so what was – if I'm not – I don't know what the record was. What was the record? What was the fastest 40 time for an offensive lineman before you broke it? It was 4-8-4. 4-8-4. Wow, you didn't break it. You obliterated it. I needed it. I needed it. I needed all that. I needed that – my moment. I was on NFLnetwork.com, NFL.com for like two hours. I needed all of it so the scouts can go watch my film. Okay, so now you go run that 40-yard dash type. You run 4-7-1, and that's really the order. Yeah, they want you to jump high. Yeah, they want you to do too, but speed is what captivates their attention.
35:45Shannon Sharpe:Now, you're an offensive lineman. You're never going to be able to unwind that 4-7-1 again, but you just want to put that on tape and let them see. Look, you got a phenomenal athlete. Yes, I went to Arkansas Pine Bluff. Yeah, I know you're going to downgrade me, talking about who did I block and who did I play against. But I'm going to come and showcase my skills and let you see and then the chips fall where they may. So when you ran that time, did you know like, okay, I got their undivided attention. I'm about to get drafted. Oh, yeah, no, for sure. We have special talents down in these HBCUs all across the country.
36:16We do. So I just needed the opportunity to showcase my skill. I knew what time it was. I was going for the vertical record too. I missed that by half an inch. So, like, I knew that I was going to be able to make that splash. And like I say, again, I needed it. I really needed that chance to get all the scouts just to watch my film. I wouldn't ask you for no favorites, but just check out the film and see the dominance. Yeah. Now, also, when I look at the offensive line position, as fast as you were, you know, as far as running a 40, did you have an advantage as far as your footwork goes when it came to playing offensive line as well?
36:49Because most of the time, obviously, you know, playing offensive line is all about your hand placement and your footwork. and always being balanced. Sure. Did that give you the advantage? Yeah, no, my athleticism, my agility, those were my strengths when I played throughout my 12-year career because I'm 6 '5", 304, not the biggest tackle, not necessarily the strongest either, but I'm on your ass as soon as the ball snapped, you know what I mean? A lot of jump sets, I had to use that in my game. So, find a ways to play to my strength and I was using my speed.
37:23Shannon Sharpe:Were you always an offensive lineman? Because, I mean, with that kind of fast twitch, you might have been a tight end at some point in time in your career. Were you always an offensive lineman? Well, back in my hometown, Cahokie, Illinois, we're known for speed. That's what we do. We run. So I was a defensive lineman and an offensive lineman. But I would go play 707 with the guys, corner, safety, receiver. Damn. Really, yeah. Really was like that. Really was like that. I can't do that shit no more, but I really was like that. I can't move like that no more, Ocho. So you mentioned you say, so you what, 34, 34 right now, 35, 33, 33.
37:59Shannon Sharpe:Teron, you walk away from the game. You're only 33. Lyman normally played in at 36, 37, 38. We saw Jackie Slater play 20 years. Yeah. And he retired at 40 plus. And we see Lyman, especially. I don't know your injury history. That's why that's why I'm going with this. Why walk away from the game and all that cheddar out there? You see that money. facts how it is it's a it's a lot of uh freshly printed money out there for sure it is yes indeed i got uh man god bless me with so many great moments and and great years and a great career uh my injury history is extensive it is yes it is it is long and i've been through it and that's really the part for me is my body you know i love this game i mentally cerebrally i can play the game forever, you know, but it's just physically and I'm okay with saying that, that my body is slowing down its movements and abilities that I just can't perform at the same level.
38:59And I take so much pride in my film. It has to look a certain way. Like every time I step on the field, it has to look pro ball, pro like that's the, that's the brand I wanted to leave. So I never want to look like I'm out there getting my getting whooped on that. That can't happen. You know what? It takes a lot. It takes a lot of awareness, self-awareness at that for a player of your caliber or any player that's played in the NFL, that's played at a high level to understand when it's time to call a quiz. Most of the time, we'll ride the car till the wheels fall off, you know? Sure. But no regard for, you know what?
39:31I don't look the same. At what moment did you realize that, you know what? I really don't have it to play at an all-pro or pro-bowl level anymore. What moment did it hit you? Yeah, I've been dealing with a knee since my third year in the league, but it's been with me for my entire career. So, man, just I'll speak on this year alone. I didn't see a practice field like at all. And not because I didn't want to or the Dolphins just wanted me to rest. It's like I literally couldn't walk. You know, I couldn't after a game on Sunday. I wouldn't be able to walk on my own, you know, under my own power until Wednesday, Thursday.
40:08day so I was only able to play under under under the pain meds I couldn't put any pressure on my knee so it was like I can't keep doing that to myself man we we uh it comes to 33 and you now
40:20Shannon Sharpe:you get to be 40 and all of a sudden you're like man what my liver's shutting down my kidneys and all the other things from taking those pain medicine because I know I've seen I've seen Lyman have to take Vicodin just to practice I get I get the game I get the game I really do because, you know, hey, that's once a week. But to practice, oh, hell. Yeah, no, that's crazy. And that was the norm for sure. I didn't want to fall in that side. Right. But the thing is, as Ocho was saying, it takes a space. Because to the lay person, they don't really see what you know. And the thing is, is that when you – it's kind of hard to let go and not practice because as an offensive lineman, sets or everything whether you're going to jump set where you a a lazy feet don't eat and the thing is you got to practice that during the course of a week it's hard for an offensive lineman to just go out there on a sunday jump set quick set a stab whatever the case may be and just to go and you're going against the best of the best yeah you you said it you said it it's The reps, especially for offensive line play, we're so based on technique and timing and all the hand placement and not to mention the cohesiveness of everyone.
41:42Because, you know, we're the only unit that never comes off the field outside of the quarterback. That's one person. But we're the only unit that never comes off the field. So that chemistry and timing, it just is really tough not getting those practice reps and then preparing mentally for Max Crosby and Miles Garrett. And that ain't cool. Like, that's not OK.
42:01Shannon Sharpe:You got to get it with TJ Watt. Listen, I'm not about to keep doing that, man. With no practice? Like, come on, man. Because, like you said, you talk about your offensive lineman. You talk about your offensive lineman. And, like, okay, they get somebody else in there to practice it. But you and that left guard, y 'all need to be cohesive. You need to, like, be on the same level and pass it off. Because if you're on different levels, a guy go hit that crack. And now everybody's like, man, y 'all hate judging. But see, you might be a little slow. He might have been a little fast. And now all of a sudden, you give up a sack when y 'all should have had that situation covered.
42:39Shannon Sharpe:I know, look, and everybody doesn't do it the same because I remember practicing with Gary Zimmerman, who was a two-decade, all-decade player in the 80s and the 90s. He went to the Hall of Fame. But he didn't like me to chip block. He didn't like the chip. He was hitting people too hard. He was like, Sharpie, don't touch him. Yeah. He said, if I jump set him and you hit him, You're going to knock him inside, and now I can't get him, and everybody's going to think I got beat. So don't touch him. Facts. Yeah, no, that's a real thing, especially if you have a big physical tight end like yourself.
43:12So, like, you hitting him too hard, he getting momentum, he getting like a jolt into the inside move. You know what? I got him. Just get out of the way.
43:20Shannon Sharpe:Get over it. Go get over it. J.O. Now, I played with J.O. Jonathan Ogden, who's the first Ballard Hall of Famer. He's like, hey, knock him out if you can. For me, it depends on who it is, man. Who over there? Exactly. But like you said, certain offensive linemen, they want some. I mean, hey, stick and stay. Or some guys, like, don't touch him. But like you said, that practice, like, for an offensive lineman and seeing, like I said, I've worked with Zim for, like, four years. Worked with J.O. for two years. And to see what they go through, because they're working on their sets. Hey, they're kicking.
43:54Shannon Sharpe:I'm going to stop. Am I going to stab him? Am I going to quick set him? Am I going to jump set him? What am I going to do? And now in the game, man, I want a jump set, but that knee bothers you. Now I can't do what I want to do. The mind say do that. That body say, brother, if you do that, you're going to hurt me. The body say you can't do that. You can't do it no more. Hey, when it came to playing the left tackle position, I think about my approach to playing receiver when it came to DBs and studying each DB every week and understanding what type of DB I'm going against. You got some that are quick, some that are fast, some that are physical, some of that playoff or whatever it may be.
44:33What was your approach when it came to playing defensive ends each week? Was your approach different as far as from a technical standpoint? Did you change up things you did depending on who you were playing that week? I've always said this, Ocho, that it's a lot of parallels to me, a lot of similarities between O-line, tackling D-end, and receiver and corner. Yes, sir. Like that one-on-one matchup, it's a lot of dynamics there that's parallel to me. the technique that goes into it tendencies like you said is he pressing or if I if I jab inside what are you doing with his hands same thing what as I'm reading the defensive end I'm looking at their alignment first how wide is he getting um and then it get off you know how well is he timing the snap then I want to see his home runs what's what's his go-to move that he's consistently winning on what's he's winning on the most I'll break that down that's the one I want to take away I want to take that one away and then all right what's his second highest percentage move the counter.
45:29I'm taking those top two away. Throughout my career, that was the goal, my objective of game planning. I want to take them top two winners away. Now, if you beat me with a third, you're a bad man, but you're going to have to get that. But for me, I was taking those top two moves away. Yeah. And one of the things that I've always liked to ask players that once they're done playing, who gave them the most fits for me? Everybody asks me all the time, let's say you played a very long time, you've gone against them. I've always had to deal with the number one DB and everyone asks, you know, who gave you fits?
45:59And obviously the one person I say every time that 2009, that 2009, he had to lock everybody up. He didn't ask you about nobody else but you.
46:11Shannon Sharpe:You see how you did that? You see how you did that? Listen, we talking. Hey, but who gave you fits? Or you just want to give them their flowers? Man, I had some battles. I had some of these guys I've seen too many times. Like, I didn't want to have these rivalries going on. But, you know, that's how the schedule go. I play Miles a ton. Miles is always one of those. He's one of those. You got to make sure you eat breakfast. Like, he's one of those for sure. But the guy that gave me the most fits, and I've probably seen him the most, and he is still underrated in my eyes, Robert Quinn. Robert Quinn, man.
46:50Oh, that first step with Quinn? He been in the edge. He, listen, Robert Quinn, he probably got the most sacks on me. Like, out of everybody, he's the person that say, I got two on T-State. Like, he probably that one person that can say that. Right, okay. That dude, yeah. I don't even want to see him post-career. I don't want to see him no more. I'm cool. We can't be friends, nothing. I don't want to run into Robert Quinn.
47:17Shannon Sharpe:It's really like a dance. Because like you said, they're getting to that wide nine. and now hey you like okay i know he's gonna come wide but what if he drop and boo me okay now he gonna hit me and then he's been inside so i got i got all that going to i gotta look at him okay what is he doing now i'm kicking i can only kick so far because the damn quarterback right there hell i keep kicking i'm gonna be in his damn lap so i can all the game probably like two kicks and then i got to say it and i gotta take a i gotta be i don't want him to get it i don't want him to bend the edge on me because, like you said, miles can bend.
47:56Miles can bend.
47:57Shannon Sharpe:But I also don't want him to wax on, wax off me across my face. No. All that. We trying to process all that, man. And they lining up in this wide nine. And these athletes are only getting bigger, faster, stronger. So it's, man, it's tough to deal with. Like Micah, playing Micah Parsons for the first time. It was Christmas Day. We in Miami. Beautiful day. We smacked the Cowboys. That ain't part of the story. But Like, seeing Michael Parsons for the first time in real life, it was different, bro. Like, you are way too big to be moving this fast. It can bend that well. Like, it's just the athlete, the evolution of the athlete is just, it's becoming something different, man.
48:41I'm cool. I'm cool, y 'all.
48:44Shannon Sharpe:Especially watching, you know, playing against Derek Thomas. But the guy that I had the most respect for, I only played against him for two years because I was only in Baltimore two years. I've never seen a guy his size that quick. Javon Gursk. Mmm, the freak. Man, freak. The first time I played him. Yeah. Man, hey. I turned around and said, hey, y 'all better throw it. He was gone. Look out, Black. Dude, he took a step down this, because I had to step. So I stepped with him. Man, by the time I put my foot down, he was on my shoulder. that's a bad feeling he get to your shoulder and you ain't extended you might well kiss the baby that's a bad feeling that's a bad feeling you saw the picture I just saw Javon Kirsten at the airport leaving Philly the day before yesterday oh did you?
49:38yeah man
49:38Shannon Sharpe:before he hurt the ankles Ocho you talking about somebody like he's like 6 '4", 250 I'm talking about 5X gloves I mean, his hands were like a ketchup man. Did Kurtz get in the – did he get into the hall? Nah, nah, nah. He was – I mean, Tennessee. He was at Tennessee. His best year was at Tennessee. He goes to Philly, and then he messed up his ankle. Okay. And then he messed up his years. But, hey, back in the day, you know, dealing with DT, Bruce Smith was fast too. Bruce could bend. For a guy his size, normally guys 270, they can't bend like that Bruce be parallel to the ground that move that you see Von Miller do where he dip under and come down on one hand and get back up Bruce could do that at 270 that's yeah so hey that's why you guys make the big bucks that's why you guys are the highest paid on the offensive line because you guys got the toughest assignment because you're dealing with like I said, basically it's like Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire.
50:52Shannon Sharpe:He's coming forward, but you got to mirror what he does moving backwards.
50:56Ricky Williams:And the thing is, you
50:58Shannon Sharpe:got a target that's sitting right there. And basically everybody in the shotgun now, so you can only sit so far before he sit your ass in the quarterback's lap or he'll reach over the top of you. Listen, we need some more money, man. We need some more of that money. Whatever you're chasing, flex your next with new On Plus 12-milligram nicotine pouches. Crushing that big Prezzo? Lock in. Blowing up a new personal best? Psych up. Planning the next guy's getaway? Get after it. With the strength to satisfy and the comfort of nickel silk mesh, flex your next with On Plus, the 12-milligram done right.
51:41Find a store at onnicotine.com. Product for tobacco consumers 21 years of age or older. Warning, this product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. Hey, sports fans, your away game road trip doesn't start at the kickoff. It starts on the road. Before heading to the game in Eugene, take a moment to enjoy the journey and explore Tualatin Valley, located just west of Portland and north of Eugene. Sip world-class Pinot Noir, soak in picturesque views, and craft a game day trip you'll talk about all season. Take the scenic route to Tualatin Valley and make every mile part of the game.
52:15Learn more at etvor.com slash fans. This episode is brought to you by Bobcat. They started the compact equipment industry through grit, determination, and a whole lot of, think we can't do that? Watch us. They set standards, broke records, empowered people to build bigger and higher, to dig deeper, to make the impossible possible. We've all been there with doubters telling us what we can't do. Who cares what they think? We don't need their permission. We're forgiveness. We just get things done. So go ahead and doubt me. Judge me. Challenge me. But when the time comes, watch me. Bobcat. To honor our country on its 250th birthday, this can of Copenhagen goes out to those defending the free American soil that our tobacco has taken root in for over two centuries and counting.
53:13Here's to the calloused hands of freedom. Copenhagen, saluting American grit, proven since 1822. Warning, this product is not a safe alternative to cigarettes.
From the publisher
Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson are joined by Ricky Williams, Terron Armstead, and DeSean Jackson! Ricky opens up about his THC use during his career, Armstead recalls his record-breaking 40-yard dash, and DeSean reflects on his rollercoaster journey with the Eagles.
0:00 - Ricky Williams on using THC during his playing days
16:19 - How Unc/Ocho used to prank rookies back in the day
25:00 - Terron Armstead on breaking the combine 40 record for OL
30:07 - Armstead on dark truths about NFL injuries
(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements.)
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