BRONX – Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice has experienced a lot in his 36 years. He went from a record-setting high school career in nearby New Rochelle to All-American honors at Rutgers University en route to being drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft by the Ravens where he won a Super Bowl and was a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
 

Then it all ended in 2014 when he was involved in a domestic violence incident. But instead of shying away from the incident, Rice has taken full responsibility and accountability for his actions and now speaks to groups about his journey and using his experience as a cautionary tale, bringing his message to the Fordham football squad on Thursday.
 
Rice retraced the traumas of his past, starting as a child when his father was murdered when Rice was only 13 months old, to the loss of Myshaun Rice-Nichols, a cousin and father figure to Rice, who was killed by a drunk driver when Rice was eleven.
 
"When my cousin died I had to become a man and take care of my family," said Rice. "That included getting a job and paying the bills. But football was my release from that responsibility. It was the most peaceful time of the day for me."
 
At that age, Rice started dreaming about becoming a professional football player so he could take care of his mother. That journey started at New Rochelle High School, which he led to the 2003 New York State championship, and where he set a New York state record in 2004 with 462 rushing yards in a game. He played high school football for head coach Lou DiRienzo, whose son, Andrew, is a current assistant coach with the Rams.
 
From New Rochelle Rice moved on to Rutgers University where he was an All-American running back and after his sophomore season he declared for the NFL draft.
 
Following his NFL career, Rice devoted his time to community service. In 2012, he was voted the city of Baltimore's most charitable person and has been involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, cyberbullying prevention, and homeless aid among other projects.

 

"I always say if you have more, give more," said Rice. "That doesn't necessarily mean money, it also means giving your time."
 
Rice spoke of the thing he misses most about his playing days is the camaraderie he had with his teammates and stressed to the Rams that in order to be successful you need that closeness with your teammates.
 
"I miss looking to my left and looking to my right and knowing those guys have my back," noted Rice.
 
Rice closed the talk with one of his favorite lines about being a man.
 
"You can be the man or be a man," said Rice. "Being the man exists in the moment but being a man is something you do for a lifetime. Enjoy being the man on your journey to becoming a man."