Selected in the second round (55th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Rutgers, Ray Rice stepped into Baltimore's backfield as a compact, versatile running back. At 5 feet 8 inches and 206 pounds, he possessed a low center of gravity, leverage, and elite lateral agility that made him an ideal fit for Cam Cameron’s zone-stretching offense.

Rice exhibited a low, elusive running style that was beneath the height of most defenders. He utilized the offensive line of Baltimore as cover before rapidly advancing into interior gaps or redirecting plays to the perimeter. His indispensability was rooted in his dual-threat ability out of the backfield: he was a skilled route runner with dependable hands on swing passes and screens, and he also possessed the strength to block blitzing linebackers during pass protection.

Following his role as a rotational backup behind Willis McGahee during his rookie year in 2008, Rice secured the principal starting position in 2009. He achieved a remarkable breakthrough, accumulating 1,339 rushing yards and contributing an additional 78 receptions for 702 yards, resulting in a total of 2,041 scrimmage yards. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection and received Second-Team All-Pro honors.

Rice backed that up in 2010 with another 1,776 scrimmage yards and six total touchdowns, but his peak individual campaign came in 2011. As the centerpiece of Baltimore’s offense, Rice led the NFL with 2,068 yards from scrimmage (1,364 rushing, 704 receiving) and scored 15 touchdowns. His performance earned him his second Pro Bowl trip and another Second-Team All-Pro nod.

During the 2012 championship season, Rice earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection, compiling 1,621 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns. He authored one of the most famous plays in franchise history in Week 12 against San Diego: converting a legendary "4th & 29" by taking a short checkdown pass, weaving through the Chargers’ defense, and diving past the line to keep the game-winning drive alive. He remained vital throughout the postseason, rushing for 306 yards to help power Baltimore to victory in Super Bowl XLVII.

Following a down 2013 season, Rice’s career came to a sudden end during the 2014 offseason following a high-profile domestic violence incident, leading to his release from the team and an indefinite suspension from the league. He never played another down in the NFL. Over his six seasons in Baltimore (2008–2013), Rice played in 92 regular-season games, compiling 6,180 rushing yards, 3,034 receiving yards, and 43 total touchdowns. He compiled 9,214 scrimmage yards and 9,377 all-purpose yards, leaving him second in franchise history in total rushing yards behind Jamal Lewis.