August 4, 2026 — Heisman Trophy winner, former NFL Star, cannabis activist, and astrologer Ricky Williams will release his memoir, The Long Run, on October 7, published by Listenin. Pre-orders available now at https://shorturl.at/zilrT.

In an exclusive first interview about the memoir with Men’s Journal, Williams discusses why it took three attempts to write The Long Run, why he walked away from the NFL at the height of his career, living with social anxiety, and his lifelong search for purpose and identity beyond football. Read the full interview and view the exclusive cover reveal HERE.

Offering his most personal and revealing account to date, Williams reflects on football, fame, identity, public scrutiny, and the unconventional path that made him one of the most fascinating and misunderstood figures in American sports. From shattering 21 NCAA records and winning the 64th Heisman Trophy at the University of Texas to becoming one of the NFL’s most electrifying running backs, Williams achieved extraordinary success while navigating relentless expectations. At the height of his career, he made one of the most shocking decisions in modern sports, walking away from the NFL in search of something more meaningful.

The Long Run tells the complete story behind that decision. The memoir traces Williams’ rise from a gifted athlete in San Diego to one of the most celebrated prospects in the 1999 NFL Draft before revisiting his departure from the NFL in 2004. While ESPN’s acclaimed 30 for 30 documentary Run Ricky Run explored that defining moment, The Long Run is Williams’ most personal account yet, sharing the full story in his own words.

More than a sports memoir, The Long Run is an honest exploration of identity, mental health, purpose, spirituality, and what it means to redefine success after achieving everything the world tells you to want. Through candid reflection and hard-earned wisdom, Williams chronicles the journey of a record-setting college star, an embattled NFL running back, and the seeker who emerged after the game, revealing how he forged a life beyond fame, fortune, and football.

“For so much of my life, I’ve been searching and seeking. I finally reached a point where I felt like I’d found something worth sharing,” shares Ricky. “This book is my chance to tell my story in my own words, not just what happened, but what it all meant. My hope is that readers walk away with the courage to define success for themselves, not by someone else’s expectations.” 

Today, Williams is recognized not only for his accomplishments on the field, but also as an entrepreneur, cannabis advocate, astrologer, teacher, and self-taught software developer. He is the CEO and co-founder of Lila Labs, which develops astrology-based technology for self-discovery, and co-founder of Highsman, a cannabis and lifestyle brand encouraging people to “spark greatness.”

Equal parts sports memoir and guide for those looking to find more meaning in life, The Long Run explores resilience, identity, mental health, public perception, and the courage required to define success on your own terms.