Unlike many of the running backs on this list, Ray Rice has only himself to blame for his career being cut far too short.
During a Valentine’s Day trip to the Revel Casino in Atlantic City, Rice was caught on an elevator security camera cold-cocking his fiancee and dragging her body out of the elevator by her hair. Janay Rice was charged with simple assault following the incident, but those charges against her were later dropped.
Rice’s actions forced the NFL to face a reckoning when it comes to domestic violence involving players.
Rice became a cautionary tale of sorts and the face of commissioner Roger Goodell’s newly instituted personal conduct policy.
The incident effectively ended Rice’s playing career, after he was found to have lied to Goodell leading to his release by the Ravens after the video was released, and indefinite suspension by the NFL.
Long before that infamous night in Atlantic City, though, Rice was among the league’s most productive and consistent running backs, averaging 1,030 yards through his first six seasons and scoring 37 career touchdowns.
The Baltimore Ravens built their offense around Rice and a physical brand of football. Injuries were rarely a factor for Rice, and if his career had continued on its trajectory, the combination of his skill-set, the Ravens’ offense, and track record for success as an organization might have propelled him to becoming one of the all-time greats.
- Career stats: 1,430 carries for 6,180 yards and 37 touchdowns, 369 receptions for 3,034 yards and six touchdowns
- Two-time Second-team All-Pro
- Three-time Pro Bowler