Rob Carr/Getty ImagesRay Rice is breaking his silence since the release of video footage showing him brutally punching his then-fiancée Janay Palmer earlier this year.
In an interview with ESPN, the former Baltimore Ravens running back said, "I have to be strong for my wife. She is so strong…We are in good spirits. We have a lot of people praying for us and we'll continue to support each other."
He added, "I have to be there for [Janay] and my family right now and work through this."
The athlete then handed the phone to his wife and she explained, "I love my husband. I support him. I want people to respect our privacy in this family matter."
Earlier today, Janay reportedly posted a similar message on her Instagram page.
"I woke up this morning feeling like I had a horrible nightmare, feeling like I'm mourning the death of my closest friend," she wrote as the caption.
"But to have to accept the fact that it's reality is a nightmare in itself. No one knows the pain that [the] media & unwanted options from the public has caused my family. To make us relive a moment in our lives that we regret every day is a horrible thing. To take something away from the man I love that he has worked his ass [off] for all his life just to gain ratings is horrific."
She finished with the following message, "This is our life! What don't you all get. If your intentions were to hurt us, embarrass us, make us feel alone, take all happiness away, you've succeeded on so many levels," she continued. "Just know we will continue to grow & show the world what real love is! Ravensnation we love you!"
For more information on domestic abuse or to get help for yourself or someone you love, visit the website for The National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233.