TEXAS — Heisman trophy winner Ricky Williams is building a path for athletes to open up about cannabis use and mental health.

The former Longhorn running back and NFL All-Pro made headlines when he was suspended and briefly retired for repeatedly violating the league’s substance abuse policy in 2004. Williams was suspended again for a similar violation in 2006.

The Pro Bowler admitted his cannabis use helped improve his mental health and noticed a change in discussing the topic in sports.

“Of course there’s a shift. I’m 44 so we’re talking about over twenty years ago. The fact we’re having this conversation is mind-blowing to me. That's something that was so shameful that we weren’t even allowed to talk about it in a positive sense,” Williams said. “Now, I’m being asked to talk about cannabis and it’s not a shameful or negative thing, so I think that’s a sign of progress.”

Williams pushes for positive mental health advocacy for young athletes.

He’s been open about his struggles with social anxiety and thinks athletes can accomplish so much more when their playing days are done.

“I have this sense that at the end of our lives, our lives flashes in front of us and I’m not saying that winning the Heisman is not something I celebrate and I know my advocacy of cannabis and mental health have touched way more people than any touchdowns or touchdowns I ever won,” Williams said. ”I did abandon my teammates, but in doing that I stopped abandoning myself, and when I came back I had more to offer, not only my teammates, but my friends, my family and my community. I think we lose track of this with young athletes. We forget these people have their whole lives to live and this is just the beginning.”