Ray Rice Speaks to Ravens Rookies for 2nd Straight Season

Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice spoke to Ravens rookies as part of the NFL's Player Engagement Program Thursday for the second consecutive year.

According to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, Rice made his return after speaking about the importance of professionalism and accountability last year.

Rice last appeared in a regular-season game in 2013 after being released by the Ravens in September 2014.

The decision came after video surfaced of Rice punching his former fiancee and current wife, Janay, in the elevator of an Atlantic City casino in February 2014.

When asked about his playing status in March, Rice indicated he would continue to push for an NFL return, per ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley:

"The reason why I'm not playing football, you do the dots. It ain't because I'm a bad football player. That's just keeping it real. I'm never giving up and never giving in. ... I can still play football. I'm never going to give up. You're never going to hear me say I gave up."

The three-time Pro Bowler is now 30 years of age, and he has been out of the NFL spotlight as a player for three seasons.

Since the video that led to his release was made public, Rice has often spoken out against domestic violence and stressed the importance of good decision-making.