The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Larger than life: Ricky Williams
04.13.2012 | Football, Bill Little Commentary
April 13, 2012
Jackie LaPenta, Texas Media Relations
The eyes of Texas have seen many great achievements throughout the storied history of the University and none greater than the athletic accomplishments of running back Ricky Williams.
"I think that when God decided to make a running back, he made Ricky Williams," said recruiting coordinator/tight ends coach Bruce Chambers who coached Williams during his Heisman campaign year.
God's work is now forever memorialized in an eight-feet-tall, 1,000-pound statue situated in the southwest corner outside of DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Williams, whose jersey number is displayed among the Texas greats in Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, now has his legacy enshrined forever in bronze.
"The success I had was a reflection of the university," Williams said. "I look at it more as a celebration of the university and the time I spent here, where I can honestly say that every day was a great moment."
Williams most notable achievements include becoming the second player in Texas history to receive the coveted Heisman Trophy award in 1998, and breaking the NCAA record for career-rushing yards (6,279), which he did in dramatic fashion on a 60-yard touchdown run against rival Texas A&M that same year.
The San Diego native set 15 NCAA records and broke 38 UT records, overall. He was awarded the Doak Walker Award for being the nation's most outstanding college running back in 1997 and 1998 and was also a two-time unanimous consensus first team All-American and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.
The unveiling of the statue occurred prior to the annual Orange-White spring football game. Over 46,000 excited fans were on hand to witness a piece of their team's history as the unveiling was displayed on the big screen inside the stadium, and Williams cherished their devotion.
"The fans, the students, the alumni, we are just a big family," Williams said. "I have been a happy recipient of all the love, all the support; and all of that is why I am standing here today."
Many of Williams' family members and former teammates were in attendance to support him receiving this honor. Other notable guests included current UT President Bill Powers, legendary Texas football coach Darrell Royal and his wife, Edith, and the first UT Heisman Trophy winner Earl Campbell, whose statue sits adjacent to Williams'.
Bill Little, special assistant to head coach Mack Brown, opened the ceremony by addressing the defining points of Williams' legacy before introducing the speakers.
Athletics director DeLoss Dodds, benefactor Joe Jamail, revered college football announcer Brent Musburger, Williams' former teammate Wane McGarity and head coach Mack Brown all took the podium to speak about what Ricky means to the University of Texas and to the football program.
"You are a hero to us," Jamail pronounced. "Today, we honor [Ricky] by attempting to repay his loyalty and his devotion to our university. Everyone connected to the university loves you, and we are grateful for all you mean."
"Ricky is smart and driven and one of the hardest-working players that we have coached," Brown added.
Part of Williams' legacy involves his thoughtful demeanor and bright personality, which those closest to Ricky keyed in on.
"[Ricky was] always a prankster," Brown said with a smile. "This morning he called and said, 'I missed my plane in Dallas. I'm not going to be able to make it and I'm really sorry.' Then about an hour later, not 10 minutes later, he called and said, 'April Fools. I'm so excited and I'll be there.'
"You never knew what you were going to get, but I am honored to have coached Ricky Williams and continue to be his friend."
"If Ricky wasn't here in 1998, I'm not sure where this program sits today," McGarity added. "You did a lot of hard work and on behalf of us, thank you for taking us along for a great ride. What you mean is beyond words."
Former Dean of the College of Fine Art, David Deming, was commissioned to create the likeness. Deming taught on the Forty Acres for 26 years.
"It meant a lot to me to get this commission," Deming said. "I left in '98, his senior season, but I got to see him play for two years here and of course I watched him on TV running all over the Aggies. After investing 26 great years at the university, the opportunity to [sculpt] Ricky Williams was a real blessing for me."
Deming captured the essence of Williams from his signature dreads down to the details of how his shirt was tucked in, the pattern on his gloves and the way he taped his shoes.
"It is our Mount Rushmore of Texas football," co-offensive coordinator and former UT quarterback Major Applewhite noted. Applewhite quarterbacked the Longhorns during Williams' historic senior season. "It is permanent and is something that from now on will be representing UT football."
After a short video highlighted Williams' achievements, the man of the hour took the stand to proclaim his adoration for the university that so openly embraced him.
"It is a great honor to have something like this that is going to be here for a long time," Williams said. "When I was going through the recruiting process, I wanted to find a program where I could be a catalyst for change. Thanks to Coach Brown and his incredible recruiting and incredible coaching, we were able to do just that.
"Every time I come back to Austin and I see what we have built, it is just amazing. My challenge to all the guys out there on the field is I want to see your statue next to mine. It is definitely a possibility."
Ricky was escorted down the stairs to his statue by his eldest daughter, Marley, Jamail and Jamail's grandson and granddaughter. All stood witness as Marley hit the button to drop the curtain and finally reveal the beautiful statue.
"It has taken a lot for this statue to be in the ground here," Williams said. "It speaks a lot for what I have been able to overcome and accomplish, but I think it speaks more for the love that I have at the university."
