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TagsQ&A with former Rutgers All-American
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA — Former Rutgers football All-America running back Ray Rice had a breakout season in year two of his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens in 2009.
Rice was selected to his first Pro Bowl, was named Second Team All-Pro (just one of four running backs in the NFL to receive the honor) and totaled over 2,000 yards rushing and receiving. He led the Ravens with 1,339 yards rushing and also led the squad with 78 receptions, which also led all NFL running backs.
Rice sat down with ScarletKnights.com at the Pro Bowl team hotel in Fort Lauderdale to look back on his season in the NFL, his former teammates at Rutgers and how coach Greg Schiano and Rutgers helped him get to the level he is at today.
ScarletKnights.com: What was it like to play with so many other NFL guys during your career at Rutgers and see so many guys you played with currently in the NFL?
Ray Rice: "It is amazing when you look at all those guys currently in the NFL that were at Rutgers in recent years. From Brian (Leonard), Mike (Teel), Eric (Foster), the list just goes on and on. The Rutgers program - we produce NFL players. It is so special that we have been getting this done."
ScarletKnights.com: How did Coach Schiano's program at Rutgers help you transition to life in the NFL?
Rice: "Coach Schiano definitely prepares you for the NFL. He has been there and coached in the league, so he knows what he is doing to get you ready for life in the pros. He has been there and done it."
ScarletKnights.com: What is it like to come back and stand on the sideline and watch the team? We have seen you on the road at Navy and at Maryland the last two years supporting the Scarlet Knights.
Rice: "Anytime my schedule allows me to, I love to come see us play. I am trying to get to the new stadium and see the guys! My schedule has been pretty busy and has not allowed me to get back and see the new stadium. I miss the Rutgers family and I can't wait to get back up there and see some games."
ScarletKnights.com: Now as a second-year player in the NFL, what was it like to watch the 2009 rookie class for the Scarlet Knights do so well in the pro ranks?
Rice: "This year was great to see all the guys out there. Kenny Britt — making the plays he did — we all knew he could do it. Just look around — Jason McCourty, Jamaal Westerman, Mike Teel and Courtney (Greene) and Ti (Underwood) in Jacksonville, it is an ongoing cycle now that we just expect to put guys in the league. Not only are they good players, but they are also good guys."
ScarletKnights.com: You had the chance to play one season with Anthony Davis at Rutgers. He has been projected by several mock drafts as a potential top-10 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. How do you think AD will play in the NFL?
Rice: (Laughing) "Oh AD, he owes me! I am going to go find him when he signs that bonus and be at his door. He blocked well, but I ran ... AD, I am coming to see you! When we recruited him, everyone said he had unbelievable talent and everything else is just up to him. He did great things at Rutgers and I think he will continue his great play at the next level. It is all up to him."
ScarletKnights.com: What is it like to play against so many former teammates in the NFL?
Rice: "It is amazing, but I actually don't like playing against them because they have to hit me. I don't like seeing them all the time because the Rutgers guys know how to hit."
ScarletKnights.com: Was it extra special to play against a former teammate in Eric Foster in the AFC Divisional Playoffs?
Rice: "We kept saying hit him with the bumble bee that is our little saying. But they kept hitting me with the bumble bee — the Colts defense was hitting me all game long."
ScarletKnights.com: Could you have ended your career any better than the 280-yard performance in the International Bowl?
Rice: "It was the perfect way to go out and finish a great experience at Rutgers. It was definitely the way to go out."
ScarletKnights.com: Did you think you would run out of steam on the 90-yard touchdown run?
Rice: "That guy had an angle on me. We were in our power o and I just powered my way in. I remember stiff arming their defender and my legs got so heavy around the 10-yard line. I felt like my back was going to cramp up but I made it."
ScarletKnights.com: What do you miss most about Rutgers?
Rice: "I miss the family environment we have at Rutgers with the players and Coach Schiano. Being in the NFL is a little different with so many factors involved. There is so much more team camaraderie in college at Rutgers and you are with your teammates all year."
ScarletKnights.com: "How long were you thinking about what you would do for your first touchdown celebration in the NFL?"
Rice: (Laughing) "I was not a big celebrator, so when I got to the league and finally scored, I had to do it and make it happen."
ScarletKnights.com: What is your favorite place to eat back at Rutgers?
Rice: "I miss the RU Grill on Easton Ave."
ScarletKnights.com: How proud are you to wear your Rutgers gear around the Ravens complex after a big win during the season?
Rice: "I got to wear the Block R after the big wins. I support us win and lose, but after so many of our big wins, you will see me in plenty of Rutgers gear in Baltimore."
ScarletKnights.com: What is in your iPod right now?
Rice: "Everything is in my iPod — from Black Eyed Peas to Lil Wayne — I got a little bit of everything."
ScarletKnights.com: Do you have any weird pre-game rituals?
Rice: "I am a real simple guy. I just like to chill before a game and focus."
ScarletKnights.com: Who is the best singer on the Ravens?
Rice: "Le'Ron McClain, he likes to sing."
ScarletKnights.com: Who is the worst singer on the team?
Rice: "I might be the worst singer on our team."
ScarletKnights.com: What was your first big purchase in the NFL?
Rice: "I bought a house and two cars."
ScarletKnights.com: How exciting was it when you signed your first NFL contact?
Rice: "You know your life has changed. You know your mother is good, your family will be good, you just need to keep everything straight."
ScarletKnights.com: Does your mom still wear a helmet to your games?
Rice: "She tried, but I got on her about it. I won't let her."
ScarletKnights.com: Do you have any off-season travel plans?
Rice: "I will be here in South Florida for two weeks. I will make a trip up to Rutgers and I might make a trip to Aruba."
ScarletKnights.com: What type of mentor was Gary Brackett for you as a player aspiring to get to the NFL?
Rice: (Laughing) "I am tired of Gary Brackett, I have seen enough of Gary. All kidding aside, his story alone makes him so special and he is such a great dude. He is making so many plays and is going to his second Super Bowl already. He has made his mark on the game already."
ScarletKnights.com: What does your body feel like after a game in the NFL?
Rice: "Sore, so sore. You have to get to the cold tubs. If you don't, you are in for a long week."
ScarletKnights.com: What does it feel like to get hit by Ray Lewis?
Rice: "It has been the hardest I have ever been hit, so that is pretty good to know. Everyone else that hits me, it does not hurt as bad as it did getting hit by Ray."
ScarletKnights.com: What was your "Welcome to the NFL" moment?
Rice: "It was my rookie year against Ray Lewis in training camp. I got the ball and he was in the hole, so I tried to shake him and run to the sideline. He hit me so hard and said ‘Young fellow, don't go east and west. You will get your yards going north and south."
ScarletKnights.com: Who are you cheering for in the Super Bowl?
Rice: "Colts all the way. I have to support my Scarlet Knights."
SOURCE: RUTGERS ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
