Caddy has emotional, productive return Ira Kaufman, The Tampa Tribune, published 14 September 2009 That love affair between Cadillac Williams and his fans goes both ways. As he emerged through the tunnel Sunday, Williams was greeted with a roaring ovation from the crowd of 63,806 at Raymond James Stadium in tribute to his uncommon perseverance. And after two major knee surgeries in as many years, Williams rewarded his supporters with an emotional 97-yard effort in the season opener. The 2005 Offensive Rookie of the Year ran for 77 yards in the first half of Tampa Bay's 34-21 loss to Dallas, providing a feel-good angle that has teammates and coaches searching for superlatives. "He really is an inspiration for everybody," Bucs right tackle Jeremy Trueblood said. "To come back from two knee injuries like that is amazing. Caddy's a prideful guy who always has a positive attitude." A 35-yard run by Williams in the second quarter set up his own 1-yard touchdown plunge that put Tampa Bay ahead 7-6. That set the stage for Caddy's big decision. "A lot of things were running through my mind - should I keep the ball or give it to a fan?" he said with a smile. "I was so emotional. I thought about keeping it, but these Buc fans have been behind me all the way. Then I spotted a kid and I wanted to make that kid's day." Williams gave the football away, but the memories remain. "All that hard work and rehab was worth it," said Williams, who carried only five times after intermission. "I really felt I've been missing from this game for so long. I didn't come back to stand out as an individual and lose ballgames. I'm a winner and this team is a winner. This is a running back's dream and once we jell, we're going to be a high-powered offense to deal with." Williams said he wasn't frustrated when offensive coordinator Greg Olson switched to Derrick Ward, who added 62 yards in 12 carries. Overall, the Bucs ran for 174 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry as a talented young offensive line opened with a rush. With Earnest Graham and Clifton Smith also in the mix, the Bucs are proud of their depth. In Week 1, Williams ran away with the headlines. "You can't say enough positive things about the guy," center Jeff Faine said. "Caddy keeps getting setbacks, but he always keeps moving forward."