Ray Rice Speaks About Search for 2nd Chance in NFL, Domestic Violence and More

Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice is speaking publicly for just the second time since being suspended by the NFL and subsequently reinstated following an appeal.

In an extensive interview with Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun, Rice touched on a number of topics, including domestic violence and what his future might hold.

Rice said he felt terrible after assaulting his then-fiancee, Janay Palmer Rice, in an Atlantic City, New Jersey, casino elevator on Feb. 15, 2014:

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The big picture of it all, being the person that I am, I really felt horrible. You almost want to punish yourself. I know I'm never going to win the battle of public opinion. Honestly, I almost felt like at one point that it wasn't worth living. I see why people commit suicide.

It hurt that bad. I was low, real low. It hurt that bad because you worked your whole life to do all the right things and then you're the world's most hated person. It was really tough. My daughter, oh Lord, I grew up without a father, there's no way I could check out on my own family.

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On the subject of rebuilding his life and reputation, Rice said he understands it won't be easy:

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It's tough, I realize that's a battle I'm going to have to face for the rest of my life. Time does heal everything, but I don't think people are going to forget this. I want people to not forget about the incident, but I want people to see there's a human being on the other side. This is not a monster, a guy who's a repeat offender. I'm not the guy they stereotype me to be. I'm not excusing what I did.

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Shifting away from the actual incident, Rice also talked about NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's initial punishment of two games and extending it after video from that early morning became public.

Rice said he "wasn't surprised" if Goodell felt differently after seeing the tape. He also brought up the meeting he had with Goodell in June, when Rice said he was completely honest about the morning in question: "I have the utmost respect for our commissioner. He took a stand. I couldn't deny that he shouldn't have taken a stand. I went there and explained what happened. I guess visual and actually hearing it is obviously two different things."

Brandon Wade/Associated Press

There may be a market for Rice, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported last November at least four teams had expressed interest in him near the end of last season, including the Colts and Saints. 

However, interest has waned. 

Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reported in mid-February that Rice hasn't received a call from any NFL team since November. And according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Rice doesn't plan to take part in the inaugural veteran scouting combine March 22.

In the full transcript with Wilson, Rice was asked his thoughts on Michael Vick and Richie Incognito (two players who were able to get their careers back on track after serious off-field issues). Rice said getting "back out there for my pride and to be able to leave the game with dignity" was a priority.

When asked if he could convince a head coach and general manager to trust him, Rice said he would take them through the process he's developed over the last 12 months:

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First off, I would own my mistake. I would tell them about my mistake. I would let them know all the steps I've done to become a better person and not figure everything out like I was perfect. I would tell them about my counseling. I would tell them about my wife. I can't buy my wife, no matter what. I've known her since high school. There was no money that was going to appease her. If this was that bad of a situation, then my wife wouldn't be with me and I know that and that would have crushed me more than losing football. I would just reassure them that the person that created this, that committed that horrible act of violence that's not the person, that's not who I am.

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Rice will have his share of obstacles in getting back to the NFL. He's a 28-year-old running back who hasn't played in a meaningful game since 2013 and had the worst year of his career before sitting out last season (660 rushing yards, 3.1 yards per carry).

Then add in the PR hit a franchise would have to deal with.

Uncredited/Associated Press

However, included in the Wilson article, current Denver Broncos head coach and former Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak said he hopes Rice gets back in the NFL. Kubiak stated Rice "gave me everything he had and worked extremely hard."

Rice said in the interview that he was "optimistic" about getting a second chance in the NFL. We'll find out soon enough if he will, with free agency beginning March 10.