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Ray Rice wants to play in the NFL again

By Charles Rahrig V

Nov 5, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Suspended NFL running back Ray Rice arrives with his wife, Janay Rice for his appeal hearing on his indefinite suspension from the NFL. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY
Nov 5, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Suspended NFL running back Ray Rice arrives with his wife, Janay Rice for his appeal hearing on his indefinite suspension from the NFL. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY /
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After missing the entire 2014 season because of an ugly domestic violence incident, Ray Rice wants another shot at playing in the NFL like some of the other players in his situation are getting.

Ray Rice isn’t ready for his career to be over just yet. The former Baltimore Ravens running back wants to be afforded some of the same chances that other players who are in his position have been given.

After missing the entire 2014 season in the aftermath of video emerging with Rice striking his soon-to-be wife in an elevator, Rice is ready to get back on the playing field and show teams that he can be someone who can be relied upon both on and off the field.

With guys like Adrian Peterson and Greg Hardy getting second chances following legal battles, Rice wants the opportunity to show he can be a productive member of a team too.

According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, Rice and a support group, including former NFL head coach Greg Schiano, are working on getting Rice into a team’s training camp.

"According to sources directly involved, Rice and a group of supporters that includes former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano have been initiating contact with NFL teams in an attempt to get the passed-over player into a training camp.Rice, 28, has relocated from the Baltimore area to Connecticut and has been working out daily to get in shape for a chance he might never be provided. One source said Rice is not motivated by money because he made $25 million in his final 18 months with the Ravens. Rather, he at least wants the opportunity to stand in front of an NFL owner or  coach and make his case for a chance to compete for a roster spot, the source said."

However, Rice was declining in production before getting suspended. He is also on the wrong side of 30 years old at a position where players don’t last long. Whereas Adrian Peterson is a generational talent at the position, Rice was a good player who showed signs of slowing down.

There’s no telling at this point what Rice would have left in the tank and whether or not a year off has kept him fresh. Whatever team weighing a decision on whether or not to sign him or not will also have to factor in if the attention surrounding him will be a distraction.

If a team is in need of a running back once camp opens, Rice might get a call, but if he doesn’t it wouldn’t be surprising either.

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