No New Rochelle High School player will ever again wear Ray Rice’s #5.
The school officially retired Rice’s jersey number in a ceremony yesterday as part of Ray Rice Day. With his mother Janet Rice on hand, along with his brother Markell and other family members, Rice expressed his appreciation for the honor. Janet Rice works for the New Rochelle Board of Education as a special education teacher.
Ray Rice Day is a now annual event held at New Rochelle High School each spring. The event includes activities for children with appearances by NFL players. This year former New Rochelle High School star Courtney Greene of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Devin McCourty of the New England Patriots joined Rice. Ravens Quarterback Joe Flacco participated last year.
Two-time NFL Pro Bowlers, Ray Rice was drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft after three years at Rutgers University where he set numerous rushing records. In 2006, he led New Rochelle High School to the New York State Championship game. Today, Rice is among the best running backs in the NFL. He is currently the second all-time Baltimore Ravens rusher with 4,377 yards and 959 rushing attempts. He is third in touchdowns with 24.
[if you have photos please send a few to photos@talkofthesound.com]