Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice has not suited up in a regular season NFL game since the 2013 campaign. He’s 29 years old and still seen as an untouchable commodity by many around the NFL.
Now, years removed from a domestic violence situation that shook the football world and pretty much ended a once promising career, Rice still seems to think he will return to the gridiron.
Appearing on ESPN’s Mike & Mike, Rice was asked if he thinks he will get another chance to strut his stuff on the field.
“You know. The faith I believe in, man. I believe a god that, he’s all about forgiveness, “Rice responded. “And if you worship the same god as me, then you understand exactly what I am talking about. So I put my faith where it belongs. And if I give up, that means I give in.”
For his part, Rice surely has attempted to make amends off the field. He’s worked with multiple charities relating to domestic violence and even spoke to Ravens rookies as a way to tell his cautionary story (more on that here).
Still, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the NFL itself is an entity that practices forgiveness. The harsh reality of the situation is that Rice is about to hit the dreaded age of 30 for running backs. He also put up just 3.1 yards per attempt during his last season in the NFL.
It might sound a bit absurd to think about it in this context, but we’re not looking at an All Pro performer here. If you don’t think that makes a difference in the eyes of NFL front offices, we’re not sure what to tell you. It’s all about risk and reward.
“In my heart of hearts, it will happen. I don’t know when, and I can’t control when, Rice continued. “But the things I can control is being in shape and being ready.”
Rice has done what he can to prove himself worthy of another shot in the NFL. It’s now all about whether that one team is willing to go out on a limb and provide him with another opportunity.
If it doesn’t happen soon, it’s likely we’ve seen the last of Rice in a football uniform.