In recent years, many celebrities and professional athletes have created their own cannabis brands. One of the more noteworthy athletes to enter this marketplace is former NFL star Ricky Williams. His controversial history with marijuana and how it intertwined with his athletic career is both instructive and inspirational.

Williams’ journey led him to establish Highsman, a cannabis brand that is as much about personal empowerment and self-care as it is about quality products. Highsman is a nod to the Heisman Award that Williams won as a dominating running back at the football powerhouse University of Texas in 1998.  The brand name references his illustrious football career while embracing the evolving landscape of cannabis culture.

A superb athlete, best known for his exceptional career as a running back–the most physically demanding of all football positions—Williams was famously suspended by the NFL five different times for testing positive for marijuana, which was considered a performance enhancing drug at the time. This policy resulted in him missing two seasons over his eleven-year career.

In addition to the Heisman Trophy, Williams was a two-time unanimous college football All-American. He held the NCAA Division 1 record for career rushing and all-purpose yards and is enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. As an NFL running-back he was a first-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowl selection. Williams was also an outstanding baseball player, drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies, for whom he played minor league baseball while he was in college!

When discussing his history of marijuana use, Williams explains that he started using cannabis while in college after a bad breakup and later found that marijuana helped him manage stress, recover faster, and gain a better understanding of himself as both a professional athlete and as a person.

While his use of marijuana caused him to miss two years of his professional career, he has made clear that his 2004 early retirement and 2006 suspension are part of his story and even spurred the passion that would lead to him to create his own cannabis brand.

After retiring from professional football for good in 2011 Williams immersed himself in the study of the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. His exploration was driven by a personal quest for whole health and well-being, which he found could be significantly enhanced through mindful use of marijuana. 

The brand’s ethos centers on the idea that cannabis can be an integral part of a balanced and active lifestyle. Williams’s vision for Highsman is to offer products that not only meet high standards of quality but align with a philosophy of intentional living and self-improvement.

Williams explained his purpose to Head Magazine this way, “Highsman is my way of showing that something that held me back in the past can actually propel the world forward. I want to provide an example of how cannabis can be used to help you achieve your goals and improve as a person.”

Continuing, he tells Head Magazine “My goal is for Highsman to be the official cannabis brand of the NFL. In the meantime, there’s still work to do to help it become more widely accepted. I can use my story and my platform to show how cannabis can help empower individuals and end prohibition. It’s just a matter of time before federal legalization.”

Highsman’s product lineup includes a range of curated strains and infused products designed to cater to various needs and preferences. The brand offers everything from energizing sativa strains perfect for daytime use (pregame), unique hybrids that serve as mood enhancers (halftime), and relaxing indica varieties for unwinding after a long day (postgame). Each product is crafted with an emphasis on natural ingredients and sustainable practices, reflecting Williams’s commitment to both personal and environmental health.

Explaining his philosophy Williams tells Head, “The number one thing that I think about when I’m choosing Highsman’s products is ‘How would I use this to help me in everyday life?’”

The brand’s business model also includes apparel, accessories, and cannabis-related goods that cater to both cannabis enthusiasts and those interested in a wellness-oriented lifestyle. From comfort designed streetwear to curated smoking accessories.,

Williams’s involvement is part of a growing trend where former athletes and celebrities leverage their influence to shape the narrative around cannabis use. By integrating his personal story, which was profoundly influenced by his belief in the benefits of cannabis use, with his professional expertise, Williams contributes to a broader dialogue on the positive aspects of cannabis, challenging outdated stereotypes and encouraging informed, responsible use.

Williams wants Highsman to be more than just about selling cannabis; he would like it to be part of redefining how the plant fits into a healthy, active lifestyle as well as creating a community and a platform for conversation and connection that fosters a more open dialogue about the benefits of cannabis.  To that end, Highsman regularly engages with its audience through events, collaborations, and conferences that promote inclusivity and education about cannabis.

By combining his athletic background with his passion for holistic health, Williams created a brand reflecting his values and experiences. It seeks to be part of the new paradigm in cannabis consumption, one that emphasizes balance, recovery, and mindful living. As Highsman continues to grow, it hopes to inspire others to rethink their approach to wellness and challenge conventional boundaries in both the sports and cannabis communities.

AJ Favorito is a freelance writer and media producer with over 8 years of experience in sports media.

 

Works Cited

Mosley, Kyle T. “Ricky Williams: The Heisman Winner and NFL Legend Credits Cannabis for Helping His NFL Career, New Business Venture.” New Orleans Saints On SI, Sports Illustrated, 14 July 2024, www.si.com/nfl/saints/news/ricky-williams-credits-cannabis-for-helping-his-nfl-career-new-business-venture-mosley.

Shapiro, Michael. “Ricky Williams Q&A: Ex-Texas RB Talks NCAA, Cannabis, Personal Evolution.” Chron, 5 July 2024, www.chron.com/sports/college/article/ricky-williams-ncaa-cannabis-19554892.php.

“Spark Greatness.” Highsman, Highsman, www.highsman.com/. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.