Ravens vs. Browns: Trent Richardson looks up to Ray Rice as model NFL RB

The Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens may be rivals, but that did not stop running backs Trent Richardson and Ray Rice from exchanging niceties in advance of their Week 9 matchup this Sunday.

Richardson told reporters on Thursday that he looks up to Rice and that the two actually spoke on the phone soon after he was drafted No. 3 overall back in April (via The News-Herald):

"I want a Ray Rice jersey, man." Richardson said. "I've always been a big fan of Ray. I talked to him on the phone a little bit and he gave me big brother talks and stuff like that. He's a great guy. If Ray says he wants my jersey, I'll send him one of my jerseys. That's big, because he'll be in Canton, Ohio, in the Hall of Fame, and that's a moment you've got to cherish if he's saying he wants one of my jerseys."

Richardson was responding to some kind words from Rice himself, who said that he was a "big fan" of the rookie running back out of Alabama:

"I'm a huge fan of his," Rice told reporters in Baltimore. "After the game, I've been exchanging jerseys with a few guys. I might have to go ahead and tell Trent, ‘Let me borrow one of those jerseys.' I might not even have to exchange with him. I'm just going to ask for his.

"He's a great back. I watched him a lot in college, and he's just doing what he did in college - obviously, taking it to the next level. There's a reason why he was a first-round pick."

The two running backs both struggled in the first matchup between the two teams this season back in September, a game in which Baltimore won 23-16. Rice had just 49 yards on the day, while Richardson was held to only 47.

However, Richardson could be in line for a big game this time around. He's coming off a career-high 122 yards rushing and the Baltimore rush defense has faltered big time as injuries have taken a toll. The Ravens are currently ranked 30th in the NFL in rush defense.