Ray Rice Receives Honor from Ravens Nearly a Decade After Domestic Violence Incident Ended Career

On Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens honored Ray Rice as the “Legend of the Game,” marking a significant turnaround for a player once synonymous with the NFL’s domestic violence problem.

In 2014, a video surfaced showing Ray Rice punching his then-fiancée, now wife, and dragging her unconscious body out of an elevator.

The NFL’s initial two-game suspension sparked anger, escalating to widespread outrage when the video went public, leading to Rice’s removal from the team.

Rice played six seasons for the Ravens, from 2008-2013, and was a key part of Baltimore’s Super Bowl-winning team in 2013.

According to Rice, he sees the Ravens’ honoring him as an opportunity to demonstrate personal growth and change.

“I truly understand why I was let go and why so many hearts changed. But hopefully people can see where I’m at now. They say people can change, right? I am not the same person I was 10-12 years ago. That’s just not who I am,” Rice told the Ravens’ news site. “Every time I stepped on the field, I gave it my all. But I couldn’t say the same for life. Now I’m trying to be the best version of me.”

Ravens President Sashi Brown, despite not being with the team during Rice’s career, defended him as a man deserving of recognition.

“He was also consistently in the community, giving back. Importantly, after Ray’s incident he owned it,” Brown said. “On his own accord, Ray undertook critical work within himself and to bring awareness to and educate others on domestic violence. Nothing will change his past or make it right, but Ray’s work has allowed him to atone for his actions and rebuild relationships personally and professionally, including with the Ravens.”

Since the incident, Ray Rice has actively participated in domestic violence awareness groups and coaches youth football. He and his wife have since built a family, with two children.

“I knew it would be hard to forgive me, but the one thing I have been consistent with was that I was going to be better. I’m not going to be a victim of my past,” Rice said. “My legacy won’t be domestic violence. My legacy will be what I became after.”