Baltimore, MD – June 27, 2025
He’s the type of player who flies under the radar—until the moment he breaks through a crowded backfield with quiet determination. But this rookie’s strength didn’t come from highlight runs or big stats. It was forged in the silence of a deeply personal battle that paused his career at Marshall.
During a candid interview at Ravens OTAs, a rookie running back opened up about taking time off to address his emotional, physical, and mental health after a dominant freshman year—missing most of the 2022 season and returning only for the final three games. “I needed to heal before I could trust my body again,” he admitted. “There were days I didn’t know if I’d ever carry the ball again.”
That player is Rasheen Ali, the fifth-round draft pick out of Marshall who also overcame a ruptured biceps tendon during Senior Bowl practices. Now he's competing behind Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, and Keaton Mitchell, proving he’s more than a story—he’s a statement.
In college, Ali exploded onto the scene in 2021 with 1,401 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, earning First‑Team All‑Conference USA and Freshman All‑American honors. After missing nearly all of 2022, he returned in 2023 with 1,135 yards and 15 touchdowns, showcasing the consistency and explosiveness the Ravens covet.
“I didn’t want my story to end on the sidelines,” Ali said. “I owed it to my teammates, my coaches, and myself to return stronger.”
Fans familiar with his Marshall career know the full weight of that statement. One Ravens supporter shared on social media: “Rasheen Ali didn’t just beat defenses—he beat his own demons. That’s the kind of fight Baltimore loves.”
In a city defined by grit and resilience, Ali fits perfectly. He’s participated in Ravens minicamp, earning praise for his burst, vision, and relentless work ethic—even while recovering from surgery. Running backs coach Willie Taggart noted: “He’s always calling and texting… wants to know what to do. He’s very talented.”
But for Ali, it’s more than earning a roster spot—it’s a mission. “This isn’t just football for me,” he said. “This is redemption.”
As Baltimore gears up for the season, Rasheen Ali’s journey reminds us that greatness often begins in the quietest moments—through pain, recovery, and the courage to rise again.
Stay tuned to ESPN!
