Ricky Williams is retiring

By the way, this is probably nothing more than just a coincidence. But does anyone have a theory as to why whenever an NFL player retires "early" it's always a running back; Jim Brown, Robert Smith, Barry Sanders, Ricky Wiliams?

Is running back the most physically and mentally challenging position? Is that why?

good question. prolly is the most physically demanding, running headlong into guys bigger than you, with a huge target on your chest. practically every down (if you're a star back like these guys ALL were).

i'd say that and the singular pressure put on you second only to the QB. there is more than one WR in an offense, but only one 'real' back

they get the crap beat out of them and break down pretty fast... i imagine at some point a person would get tired of it, or get too old for it. speed, strength, and reaction time gets worse too as you age, and i imagine they're more important for RBs then just about anyone else...

or maybe all the knocks just does something to them... I mean, if mike tyson hit my head twice i'm sure i wouldn't be thinking straight for very long...

I don't really think James Stewart is anyone's answer at RB. He couldn't even keep a job with Detroit's pitiful "O". And MINN is not going to trade Bennett - right now they expect him to carry the load at RB. The other guys they have are not going to bring much value.

He lost his job due to a severely dislocated shoulder injury in the last preseason game of 2003. He has a career 4yard per carry average and fits the mold of a similar style back as williams. So if healthy he could be a cheap plug in for atleast this year.

The vikings wouldnt get rid of Bennet I dont think. Maybe Moe Williams though. One of my professors is like a step dad or somethign to Moe, he would always brag how he doesnt get any credit, but every start he has had he got 100 yards or more. The guys definitly a trooper.

But with Minnesotta's depth at rb, it wouldn't be a complete suprise if they traded bennet because both williams(moe) and smith filled in incredibly well last year for them and I think they'd do quite a bit if they could strenghten their defense.
Overall I think they'll go with someone they can get out of the pretty thin free agent pool so as not to give up a player or pick(they just lost 2 1st rounders for williams for only 2 years of performance w/o making the playoffs in either year) or just totally switch around their offensive mind set and practically throw 60-70% of the time.

By the way, this is probably nothing more than just a coincidence. But does anyone have a theory as to why whenever an NFL player retires "early" it's always a running back; Jim Brown, Robert Smith, Barry Sanders, Ricky Wiliams?

Is running back the most physically and mentally challenging position? Is that why?

I gotta say the toughest position physically is either running back or lineman(defensive or offensive). RB's r getting hit normally while going full speed and btheir being hit by someone else going full speed. Lineman have to worry about constant chips and stepping on one person's foot the wrong way can completely blow out your ankle,knee, hip or a combination of the 3 and others.
I know I for one am glad I gave up dreams to play professionally and instead lended became an armchair qb,lol.

Thanks God we passed on him!!!

What a Jerk!!! He could have told them before the draft!!

RB is definitely a grueling position. There's a reason why most wear down significantly by the age of 30-31.

I gotta say the toughest position physically is either running back or lineman(defensive or offensive). RB's r getting hit normally while going full speed and btheir being hit by someone else going full speed. Lineman have to worry about constant chips and stepping on one person's foot the wrong way can completely blow out your ankle,knee, hip or a combination of the 3 and others.
I know I for one am glad I gave up dreams to play professionally and instead lended became an armchair qb,lol.

don't know why the heck I put lended in there, lol. I guess I was more tired last night than I thought.

There was a prescient article posted on SI.com on Friday about Robert Smith (who retired early from the Vikings in 2001). A quote: "I think a comeback would be possible, but not advisable."

If I was Wannstedt, I'd be on my way to Smith's house with a bouquet of roses.

Smith would help alot!! But he's not coming!! The Dolphins are screwed!! Serves them right for beating our Redskins last year!! Especially after I flew across the country to watch it!! J/K ;-)