Ray Rice

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mothers out there. ❤️

The strength of a woman — especially a mother — is truly something special. A woman can carry a whole baby inside of her, still go to work, take care of home, support everyone around her, push through pain, stress, exhaustion… and somehow still find a way to love on everybody else. Meanwhile, a man gets a stomach ache and we’re down for the count 😂.

Mothers are truly superhuman. The sacrifices they make, the unconditional love they give, the way they hold families together through good times and hard times deserves more appreciation than one single day can give.

As a proud mama’s boy, I can honestly say there’s nothing like a mother’s love. Today we celebrate you, but the truth is you should be celebrated every single day.

To all the mothers, grandmothers, bonus moms, single moms, and women holding it all together behind the scenes — thank you. The world moves because of you. 💐🙏🏾

Hey di**le di**le .rayrice up at Frank’s!

Back where it all began. Twenty years later, I kept a promise to myself.

My transcript won’t tell a perfect story — it tells a real one. There were setbacks, failures, pauses, life changes, pressure, public mistakes, family responsibilities, and moments where finishing felt far away. But through every chapter, I never let go of the goal. And now, I can finally say I finished what I started at Rutgers University. 🎓

To every teacher and professor who saw something in a little boy from New Rochelle that was bigger than football — thank you. Your belief mattered more than you know.

To the coaches who helped shape my life, especially Coach Greg Schiano and my high school coach Lou DiRienzo — thank you for believing in me not just as an athlete, but as a young man still growing and learning through every stage of life. Your impact went far beyond football.

Coach Schiano gave me belief, structure, and an opportunity to become part of something bigger than myself at Rutgers University. Coach DiRienzo instilled a mindset in me that I still carry every single day: “Too many pats on the back will set you back.” That message kept me grounded, hungry, and focused on continuing to grow instead of living off past accomplishments. Two coaches, two different chapters of my life, both helping shape the man I am today.

To my grandparents, James and Amelia Reed — thank you for your love, prayers, and foundation. I made a promise that I would earn my degree while you were both still here, and by the grace of God, I was able to keep that promise. That means more to me than words can explain.

To my mother, Janet Rice — thank you for every sacrifice you made, not just for me, but for all of your children. Thank you for the long days, the sleepless nights, the prayers, the discipline, the unconditional love, and for carrying responsibilities that many people will never fully understand. You held our family together through adversity and continued to push us forward even during the toughest times. So much of who I am comes from your strength, resilience, and determination. I can never thank you enough for the foundation you gave us.

To Thomas Porter, Mel and Collette Richards, my siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, family, and Day 1s — thank you for every lesson, conversation, prayer, word of encouragement, and moment of support throughout my journey.

Most importantly, to my wife and kids: thank you for loving me through every stage of this process. My wife set the standard in our household years ago by earning her degree while I was playing in the NFL and while pregnant with our daughter, Rayven. She showed our family what it truly means to sacrifice, stay disciplined, and finish what you start. Watching her accomplish that stayed with me, and I knew one day I had to do my part to make it whole.

You all gave me purpose beyond the field and motivation to finish strong. To my kids and the next generation: keep pushing. Adversity is inevitable, but a setback can become the setup for greatness if you stay consistent and refuse to give up.

One of the biggest lessons I learned while earning this degree was being willing to say, “I need help.” Whether it was my daughter helping me figure out Canvas, or a professor walking me through how to properly cite sources, I realized growth requires humility and openness. I had to become comfortable doing things differently, learning again, and accepting guidance along the way.

That’s real strength. Nobody reaches greatness alone. Stay humble. Stay coachable. Stay consistent. And never let setbacks convince you your story is over.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge my father, Calvin Reed, who was tragically shot and killed when I was just 13 months old. I never got the chance to truly know him, but I carry his name, his blood, and his spirit with me every day. I’m sure he would be proud of the man I’ve continued to become and proud that I finished this journey.

This degree means more because the road wasn’t easy. It represents perseverance, growth, humility, accountability, and faith. It’s proof that no matter how long the journey takes, you can still finish what you started. ❤️🖤

The 4th and 29 Golf Outing gives everyone an opportunity to come out and connect and collaborate on so many levels! Thank you to the Jason Los Foundation for coming out and sponsoring!

8 winners tomorrow….2 SOLD OUT COURSES! Thankful to all who are attending and our sponsors! Can’t wait to see yall at the 4th and 29 Golf Outing to benefit Pipeline2Prosperity tomorrow!

I went through and saw my guy Alan Tsao at Tsao Baltimore Watch Company and let me tell you, my man is making fine timepieces right here in the city! He graciously donated 2 watches for my 4th and 29 Golf Outing and one was made from the steel from the key bridge! These things are 🔥! Ima go grab me one for that everyday wear, he’s got one that has Old Bay in it! I look forward to seeing my guys company grow and I’m looking forward to partnering with him and his company!

Boys night out! Had to treat my guys to a little Micro Wrestling Federation! At Guilford Hall Brewery
Appreciate my guy Rich Craft for hooking it all up!

I gotta give a shout to my man Zack Trabbold owner and head Chef and his teams at The Local Natalies Seafood Kitchen and Evolved Catering and Hospitality! The food 🤤 the atmosphere and the drinks are straight 🔥 because his wife Natalie Trabbold makes the cocktail menu! As a duo, the are one of the best there is! So if you’re out in the Bel Air area or just need catering for a party, swing through and tell em Ray sent you! Hell they even have a whole tiki hut and a catering hall the got it all!
They’re gonna be at the 4th and 29 Golf Outing and sponsored the Afterparty and I can not wait to see what they gonna bring out this year