Remember Cadillac Williams? He's Gone from Workhorse to Mentor

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But on that day over a decade ago, the order in which those highly touted prospects walked across the stage was different. It was strange even, and it hasn’t happened since.

Of the top five picks, three were running backs: Ronnie Brown went second overall to the Miami Dolphins, followed by Cedric Benson to the Chicago Bears at No. 4, and Carnell Williams was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with their fifth overall pick.

In the 10 drafts held since then only three running backs have heard their names in the top five. And in two of those drafts a running back wasn’t selected at all during the first round (2013 and 2014).

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Why this dance with nostalgia now? Because 10 years ago at this time, one of those running backs deemed worthy of a top-five pick made history. One of them still has his shoes and gloves sitting in a Hall of Fame display case. And the same running back is also remembered for later enduring—and returning from—two incredibly gruesome injuries.

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So, do you really remember Carnell Williams? He may not be a name that immediately pops out while flipping through your mental football Rolodex. But he should, because the Williams of yesterday was a unique talent derailed repeatedly.

And the Williams of today? He’s an example of how life after football can still be a life in football, with a much-appreciated helping hand.

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He became the first running back to post three straight 100-plus-yard rushing games to begin a career.

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