Ricky Watters facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ricky Watters

Watters in 2016
No. 32
Position:	Running back
Personal information
Born:	(1969-04-07) April 7, 1969 (age 56) Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	217 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High school:	Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania)
College:	Notre Dame (1987–1990)
NFL Draft:	1991 / Round: 2 / Pick: 45
Career history
San Francisco 49ers (1991) Philadelphia Eagles (1995) Seattle Seahawks (1998)
Career highlights and awards
Super Bowl champion (XXIX) 5× Pro Bowl (1992–1996) Seattle Seahawks 35th Anniversary Team NFL records Most rushing touchdowns in a playoff game: 5 Most points scored by a player in a playoff game: 30
Career NFL statistics
Rushing yards: 10,643 Rushing average: 4.1 Rushing touchdowns: 78 Receptions: 467 Receiving yards: 4,248 Receiving touchdowns: 13
Player stats at PFR

Richard James Watters (born April 7, 1969) is a former professional football player. He was a talented running back in the National Football League (NFL). Ricky Watters played for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Seattle Seahawks.

He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. There, he was a wide receiver on their 1988 national championship team. Later, in the NFL, he won a second championship with the 49ers in Super Bowl XXIX.

Watters was known for his amazing receiving skills and his special high-stepping running style. This style earned him the nickname Ricky "Running" Watters from ESPN sportscaster Chris Berman. He even appeared in the movie Any Given Sunday as a football player.

Today, Ricky Watters is a motivational speaker for adopted children, as he was adopted himself. He is also a recording artist, music producer, and author of the book For Who For What, a Warrior’s Journey. He was a high school football coach until 2013. In 2014, he went back to Notre Dame to finish his graphic design degree.

Early Life and High School Football

Ricky Watters grew up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He went to Bishop McDevitt High School. In high school, he was a star quarterback and wore jersey number 12. He played football all four years.

Before high school, he played football for Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament (OLBS) Golden Gales. He played in different youth leagues, showing his talent early on.

College Football Career

Ricky Watters joined the University of Notre Dame in 1987. He was a highly-rated player in coach Lou Holtz's recruiting class. This class was one of the best for the Fighting Irish.

Starting at Notre Dame

In his first year, 1987, Watters mostly backed up other players. He also returned kickoffs. The team had a good season, winning 8 games and playing in the Cotton Bowl Classic.

Winning a National Championship in 1988

After a star player left, Coach Holtz moved Watters to a new position in 1988. He became a flanker, which is a type of wide receiver. This change helped the team's passing game a lot. Watters became the team's top receiver.

He was also great at special teams, returning two punts for touchdowns. Before a big game against USC, Watters was suspended for disciplinary reasons. Even without him, Notre Dame won the game.

Notre Dame had an amazing 1988 season, beating many top-ranked teams. They won the Fiesta Bowl against West Virginia, securing the school's 11th national championship. This team is remembered as one of the best in college football history.

1989 Season and Orange Bowl Win

In 1989, Notre Dame was again a top team, aiming for another championship. Watters moved back to playing tailback. He played very well, helping Notre Dame stay ranked #1 for most of the season.

They lost their last regular season game but still had a great year. Notre Dame finished the season with a strong win over Colorado in the Orange Bowl. They ended the year ranked #2 in the country. Watters was the second-leading rusher on the team.

Professional NFL Career

Ricky Watters played ten seasons in the NFL. He started with the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers picked him in the second round of the 1991 NFL draft. He missed his first season due to injuries.

San Francisco 49ers (1992–1994)

From 1992 to 1994, Watters was the starting running back for the 49ers. During these years, the 49ers had one of the best offenses in the NFL. They led the league in scoring and yards every year.

The 49ers made it to the NFC Championship Game in 1992 and 1993. They lost both times to the Dallas Cowboys. But in 1994, they finally beat the Cowboys in the NFC Championship. This win sent them to the Super Bowl.

In a playoff game in 1994, Watters set an NFL record. He scored five rushing touchdowns in one game against the New York Giants. His 30 points in that game is still a record for most points by one player in a playoff game. In Super Bowl XXIX, Watters scored three touchdowns. This helped the 49ers win 49–26 against the San Diego Chargers.

Philadelphia Eagles (1995–1997)

In 1995, Watters joined the Philadelphia Eagles. He quickly became a very productive player. In 1996, he led the league in total yards from scrimmage. He helped the Eagles reach the playoffs twice.

During his three seasons with the Eagles, he played and started every game. He rushed for 3,794 yards and scored 31 rushing touchdowns.

Seattle Seahawks (1998–2001)

In 1998, Watters moved to the Seattle Seahawks. He played with them until he retired in 2001. He finished his NFL career with over 10,000 rushing yards and over 4,000 receiving yards. He scored 91 total touchdowns in regular season games.

Ricky Watters is one of only two NFL running backs to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season for three different teams.

Hall of Fame Consideration

Ricky Watters has been considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was a semifinalist in 2020 and 2022. He had five Pro Bowl selections and high rankings in rushing yards and touchdowns. Some people believe his personality and a famous quote he made ("For who? For what?") might have affected his chances. Others argue his behavior was similar to other Hall of Fame players.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular season