Ray Rice Returns To Baltimore To Help Toys For Tots
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Former Raven Ray Rice was in Baltimore Tuesday. He and a handful of current Ravens, along with other sports stars, took part in the Toys For Tots event at Jimmy's Famous Seafood.
Rick Ritter spoke with Rice who, after his falling out in Baltimore, continues to give back to the community.
Rice says his time here in Baltimore was nothing less than great, especially with the fans and kids across the city.
Even though he hasn't been signed by an NFL team, he's not giving up on his dreams just yet.
Come December, it's what John Minadakis and Jimmy's Famous Seafood wait for all year: a chance to give back to their community.
"What w'ere doing is really special and it goes a very long way for these kids," Minadakis said.
Tuesday marked their seventh annual Toys for Tots event. In attendance, a familiar face: former Raven Ray Rice and his wife, Janay.
"This was home for me. It's not that easy to just leave everyone behind," Rice said.
Rice has been part of the event for years and continues to give back.
"For my own personal reasons is why I'm not here and for me to come back and be welcomed is definitely appreciated," he said.
Rice has been out of the NFL for nearly two seasons now but isn't giving up on his dreams just yet.
"I'm not ready to give it up but I look back at my career, I got three Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl," he said. "No one can take that away from me."
Also there: Baltimore native and Sacramento King Rudy Gay.
"Obviously I'm in a position where I can give so giving my time and money is the least I can do for my city," he said.
A star-studded night that helps make the holidays special for kids across the city.
"A Power Ranger, a Ninja Turtle, a WWE action figure, sometimes makes their whole week, month or even their year," Minadakis said.
Ravens players CJ Mosley, Justin Forsett and Eugene Monroe were also expected to show up at some point Tuesday.
The event is expected to raise over 1,000 toys which are given out to children by Marines.
