Ricky Watters

Unfortunately Watters and the 49ers parted amid acrimony. He criticized the front office and offensive coordinator for lack of respect; the team said he was selfish. Watters was a transition free agent, and the Eagles signed him to an offer sheet that San Francisco chose not to match. He helped lead the Eagles into the NFC playoffs for two consecutive years. In 1995 and 1996, Watters rushed for 1,273 and 1,411 yards, respectively, in the regular season and a combined 24 touchdowns. Some media and fans, however, criticized him for his attitude.

In 1998, Watters became a free-agent and signed with the Seattle Seahawks. He gained more than 1,200 yards in both 1998 and 1999, and in his second year with the team, Mike Holmgren, who had been his offensive coordinator in San Francisco, became the Seahawks' head coach. Seattle surprisingly won the AFC West title that season. Beset by injuries, Watters played but five games in 2001.

Watters sat out the entire 2002 season, rejecting offers from several teams because he wanted more money. He often emphasized that he would retire rather than play for the minimum base salary. "People might think he's bluffing but, believe me, he isn't," agent Ralph Cindrich said in August, 2002. "He feels he has a value beyond the minimum. If that's all teams are going to offer him, then he's going to sit, and that will be it. Ricky will be retired and he is at peace with that." In early 2003, his future in football remained unclear.