Former NFL star on why he has legally taken his wife’s last name

In an interview on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, former NFL star Ricky Williams revealed he has legally taken his wife’s last name. Now known as Ricky Miron, the former Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints star explained he made the decision to take his wife Linnea Miron’s last name because he wanted more balance in their marriage.

“I did it probably a year and a half ago, made it official,” Ricky said. “Something I’ve been thinking about and talking about, and I finally went through the steps.”

“I went to the social security office with my marriage certificate, and I went through the process,” he added. “It was quick and easy, and it felt meaningful. Really meaningful.”

Ricky also said that his decision was influenced by an astrology-relationship class he took. Even though his wife is a prominent attorney, Ricky said he’s usually the focus of attention because of his NFL career.

“One of the ideas that popped into my mind was I can take her last name,” Ricky said. “I think it’s cool. It’s somewhere where we can both win.”

“I’ve found that that’s been really powerful in creating ease, intimacy and trust in my relationship,” the former running back added.

Ricky also revealed that Williams isn’t “even really” his real last name, so legally changing his name was a no-brainer. “It’s one of those family secrets,” Ricky said. “My grandma, obviously, back then you don’t say anything. And so Williams was her husband’s name, but wasn’t my dad’s father.”

“So Williams is not even really my last name,” he added. “And if you go back far enough, its idea of it is a slave name, so I think of what is even the purpose of a last name. And I find more meaning in this last name than Williams,” he said.

“To me, this makes the story of Ricky Williams more interesting.”