Ray Rice NFL Blitz: Ravens RB Perfect Cover Boy for New Bone-Crushing Video Game

Ray Rice is a no nonsense, grind it out style back. What better player to grace the cover of the NFL Blitz video game? Apparently EA sports thought so too, as the Ravens RB was tabbed as the new cover athlete for the game, available only on XBLA and PSN.

EA followed its Madden formula for selecting their cover guy, but on a smaller scale. Instead of a nationwide poll and tournament system, EA opened voting up during the video game awards that aired on Spike TV on Saturday, December 10th.

The voting was between Rice, Patrick Willis of the 49ers and Atlanta's Roddy White. Rice was selected, and it fits. A RB just seems perfect for a Blitz cover.

Rice says he grew up playing the game and offered this about why he, a diminutive offensive player would be a good fit for the cover:

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“Everybody wants to see an exciting little offensive player on the cover,” “No knock on the defensive guys, but I’m young, I’m up-and-coming, and it would be a perfect fit for me, especially since I grew up playing the game.”

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Rice is also a great choice because he is a beloved player, even outside of Baltimore. The game itself is a little peculiar in that it emphasizes over the top hits and celebrations. All things the NFL generally frowns upon.

Apparently, there have been some measures put in place to diminish certain "undesirable" images, but it is still a bit hypocritical, as it doesn't change the game's nature. (Watch trailer here)

I guess money is the license for hypocrisy. Nonetheless, many kids will enjoy slamming opponents to the turf, battling zombies and bursting into flames. Ahhh, good clean fun, just like the NFL likes it.