RICKY WILLIAMS NO LONGER THE POT HEAD

DAVIE, Fla. - Ricky Williams is a role model. No, we're not sharing the peace pipe together. I'm as serious as a DEA raid. Williams is writing his own version of Redemption Song, the reggae tune popularized by his late hemp-smoking idol Bob Marley. Should he continue on the straight and narrow, Williams can be championed as the biggest success to ever emerge from the NFL's substance-abuse program. No player has missed so much time because of failed drug tests to later re-emerge as a superstar. Williams has shined like one during the preseason. He outclassed fellow running back Ronnie Brown to earn the start in next Sunday's regular-season opener against the New York Jets. "He's back to his old form," Brown said of the former Heisman Trophy winner and 2002 NFL rushing leader. In other words, Williams is smoking. In a good way. There's even more reason for the NFL to take pride in Williams. He is taking two classes (math and writing composition) at a South Florida college this fall. The credits will help Williams finish his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas. Williams wants to become an osteopath, a physician who treats patients through holistic methods. "I have a better idea now of what I want to do outside of football," Williams told FOXSports.com after last Tuesday's Dolphins practice. "I'm more well-rounded. I feel like I have more control over my life and what I spend my time doing" Having covered Williams as a Dolphins beat writer for five tumultuous seasons, I can tell you these aren't the only positive changes. Williams doesn't show any outer signs of the social-anxiety disorder that once caused him to wear a football helmet when speaking with the media. He is no longer shy, halting or combative when asked a question. Teammates also have more personal interaction with Williams than before. CLICK THE LINK FOR MORE ON RICKY BEING A "ROLE MODEL"