Ray Rice Returns to Ravens to School Rookies

Ray Rice is back in with the Baltimore Ravens -- not as a player, but as a teacher.

Rice met with his former team's new class of players on Wednesday, and Ravens officials say ... "He clearly had the attention of our rookies."

Rice hasn't played for the Ravens since his release after the elevator attack on his then-fiancee, Janay Palmer.

The team says Ray's session with the rookies is part of its "player engagement program" intended to teach them life lessons.

"Rice, who played for the Ravens from 2008-2014, delivered an important message that included his story, both the good and the bad."

Ray held a similar seminar for the NFL Players Association earlier this year. He hasn't been able to get back on an NFL roster, but seems to have found a new calling.

We're told the Ravens meeting was NOT set up through the league ... so, it's a clear sign he's back on good terms with his old squad.

2:00 PM PT -- We spoke with Ravens rookie tackle Ronnie Stanley -- the #6 overall pick in the draft -- who tells us, "Ray was very down to earth. He talked to us about life. About how hard it is to be a pro athlete. That you have to be good ON and OFF the field."

"Everyone was honored and happy that Ray took the time to share his experience."