| Former First Overall Selections |
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| ROSTERS |
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| 1999 - First Selection: RB Ricky Williams (to Dave) By R. Swiper Jr. |
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| As the 1999 KLFFL draft approached it was a clear there was no consensus choice for the first overall selection. There were two quarterbacks coming off 30 touchdown seasons in Randall Cunningham and Vinny Testaverde. There was an elite group of college quarterbacks enterring the league including Tim Couch, Donovan McNabb, Akili Smith, Cade McNown and Daunte Culpepper. There were three promising receivers in the overlooked Eric Moulds and the two rookies David Boston and Torry Holt. Finally, two very promising runningbacks were coming into the league: Edgerrin James and Ricky Williams. When Dave and Chad settled at the top of the draft class, the picture started to come into focus. Two owners with a penchant for taking young runningbacks, two elite rookie backs for them to select. As the draft came closer the tension grew. It wasn't supposed to work out this way. The Colts sitting at pick four and in dire need of help at tailback (having traded all-world back Marshall Faulk to St. Louis) were expected to take Ricky Williams. This was the ideal scenario for the elder Crowley. Ricky Williams was the Heisman trophy winner. He was widely regarded as the top back in his class and he was going to go to Crowley's beloved Colts. And then it happened... With the fourth selection in the 1999 NFL Entry Draft... Dave Places Blue and White "Williams #34" jersey over head. The Indianapolis Colts select... Dave begins the Chant, "Ricky! Ricky! Ricky!" Runningback... Dave's arms begin to raise, his smile is as wide as Jake's back. From the University of Miami... Crowley realizes Williams was a Texas Longhorn, a look of anguish crosses his face. Edgerrin James... Dave immediately pours himself a glass of Crown Royal, burts into tears. Ricky Williams did not go to Indy, rather to Mike Ditka and the New Orleans Saints, one pick later. Williams was still the first selection of the KLFFL draft, bringing the Westridge franchise hope for the future. They now had a solid runningback on whom they could build for years to come. It was not to be however, as Williams was traded before the end of the season in exchange for among others, Colts runningback Edgerrin James. Williams continued to travel through the KLFFL, landing on Adam's team, back to Chad's team, back to Dave's team back to Adam's team and then finally once more to Chad. The NFL career of Ricky Williams paralelled his KLFFL career in this sense. Williams struggled to find stability. He came to the Saints only after 'Aints GM Mike Ditka traded all his picks for the draft pick used to take Williams. He faced a lot of pressure in New Orleans and didn't deal well with it at times. Prior to the 2001 season, the Saints again used their first round pick on a runningback, this time Ole Miss standout Deuce McAllister. After spending one year on the bench, the Saints declared McAllister their starter and traded Williams to Miami. With the move to Miami came a new beginning for Williams. He was wanted by his coach and more importantly, he was in a run-first, run-second, pass-never offense led by coach Dave Wannstedt. Williams has found a home now on the Camborne Dolphins of the KLFFL. He has prospered since moving to the coast, both in the NFL and the KLFFL. Given his production in the 2002 season, there is little doubt Williams was worthy of the #1 selection. |
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| Year 2002 2001 2000 1999 |
| TD 17 7 9 2 |
| Related Link: 1999 KLFFL Draft |
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