"I'm closer to being happy. I'm doing things that make me happy. In football I loved to practice and I loved to play, but I hated to be in meetings, hated to talk to the media, hated to have cameras in my face, hated to sign autographs. I hated to do all those things"

Ricky Williams is revealing his satisfaction with his existing life. He is doing things that make him delighted, which is a plain contrast to his football career. He took pleasure in the practice and playing, however did not like the other elements of the task. He discovered the meetings, talking to the media, having cameras in his face, and signing autographs to be tedious and unpleasant. It is clear that he is much better now that he is no longer bound to do these things. His quote is a testament to the value of pursuing activities that bring joy and satisfaction. It is likewise a suggestion that it is fine to step away from things that no longer bring us joy.