National Football League

Ricky Williams doesn't have a problem with Johnny Football having fun

Published Jul. 3, 2014 2:30 p.m. ET

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Connor Kiesel

At 37 years old, ex-NFL running back Ricky Williams has mellowed out some since his early playing days. But that doesn't mean he thinks a new player in the league shouldn't enjoy himself, as Williams once did.

A TMZ camera caught up with Williams, who said he met Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel for the first time at a "Heisman House" shoot this week and "really liked him."

When asked about some of Manziel's off-field behavior, Williams was laissez-faire.

"You know, I was a rookie at one time, 1st round draft pick, and had a chance to do all the cool stuff I always wanted to do ... so I'm happy for him," Williams said. "Sometimes people need to have fun in order to play well. Let's see what works for him."

Like Manziel, Williams was a Heisman Trophy winner who came into the league with plenty of hype surrounding him. Williams' behavior was to his detriment when he violated the NFL's substance abuse policy by testing positive for marijuana and faced a four-game suspension, prompting him to retire from the game following only his fifth NFL season.

Williams did return later and had one of the best years of his career in Miami in 2009.

Everything from Manziel's trip to Las Vegas to a photo of him with pop star Justin Bieber has captured people's attention, as well as the ire of some.

Manziel will next see the football field when the Browns begin training camp July 26.

(h/t Pro Football Zone)

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