Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl running back, Ray Rice has stayed in shape this off season despite not having a new contract. The Ravens placed the franchise tag on him this off season, but he has yet to sign a long-term contract.

The contract deadline is July 16. If no long-term deal is reached by the deadline, Rice will earn $7.7 million on a one-year deal.

Rice has been in the news a lot this off season, he has kept up appearances by holding youth football camps and he’s leading the fight against teen bullying, his next anti-bullying event, “A Ray of Hope”, will be held July 13 in Columbia, Maryland.

Even though he missed team OTAs and mandatory minicamps, he is working hard to stay in shape on his own. Rice will start his 5th season with the Ravens and there is no doubt that he will be ready to play when season begins. The team is confident that he will once again be a key piece of the offense.

Rice supports quarterback Joe Flacco. During a radio on 790 The Zone in Atlanta this week, Rice said of Flacco’s performance in the AFC Championship Game:

“Quite frankly, he outplayed Tom Brady the last game. He outplayed Tom Brady, and Tom Brady — he’s the trademark for a quarterback. So Joe Flacco feeling the way he feels is only right, because he did it on a high level. He did it on the peak of his performance.”

I have 100% confidence that Rice will be ready to go this season. He is a hard working player who is vocal about his challenging workouts. He’s had four outstanding seasons with the Ravens and I can’t wait to see him suited up again. I just wish that he and the Ravens can come to a contract agreement soon so that we can put this behind us and focus on the upcoming season.