Rashee Rice is one of the most exciting wide receivers in the NFL. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, after a stellar college career at SMU. But is he related to Jerry Rice, the legendary Hall of Famer who is widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver of all time? The answer is no.
Rashee Rice: A Rising Star
Rashee Rice was born on April 22, 2000, in North Richland Hills, Texas. He attended Richland High School, where he was a standout receiver and a three-star recruit. He committed to play college football at SMU, where he became one of the best players in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
Rashee Rice played in 10 games as a freshman and had 25 receptions for 403 yards and one touchdown. He became a starter during his sophomore season and caught 48 passes for 683 yards and five touchdowns. He had 64 receptions for 670 yards and nine touchdowns and was named honorable mention All-AAC as a junior. He decided to enter the NFL Draft after his junior year, leaving SMU as one of the most productive receivers in school history.
Rashee Rice impressed scouts with his size, speed, strength, and catch radius. He measured 6’2″ and 203 pounds at his pro day, and ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash. He also had a 41-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-8 broad jump, showing his explosiveness and athleticism. He was selected by the Chiefs with the 55th overall pick, joining a potent offense led by Patrick Mahomes.
Jerry Rice: The GOAT
Jerry Rice was born on October 13, 1962, in Starkville, Mississippi. He attended B.L. Moor High School in Oktoc, Mississippi, where he played football, basketball, and track. He was not heavily recruited by major colleges, but he received a scholarship offer from Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU), a Division I-AA school.
Jerry Rice had a phenomenal college career at MVSU, setting several NCAA and team receiving records. He became the all-time leader in NCAA receiving touchdowns with 50, and also had 4,693 receiving yards and 301 receptions. He was a two-time first-team I-AA All-American and finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy voting in his senior year.
Jerry Rice was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round (16th overall) of the 1985 NFL Draft. He had a modest rookie season, but he emerged as one of the best receivers in the league in his second year, leading the NFL in receiving yards and touchdowns. He went on to have a legendary career with the 49ers, winning three Super Bowls and being named Super Bowl MVP in 1988. He also played for the Oakland Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks before retiring in 2005.
Jerry Rice holds numerous NFL records, including most career receptions (1,549), most career receiving yards (22,895), most career receiving touchdowns (197), and most career total touchdowns (208). He was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year twice (1987 and 1993), First-team All-Pro 10 times (1986-1990, 1992-1996), and Pro Bowl 13 times (1986-1996, 1998, 2002). He was also named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for both the 1980s and the 1990s, as well as the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team and the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
No Relation
Despite sharing the same last name and playing the same position, Rashee Rice and Jerry Rice are not related by blood or marriage. They are both from different states and have different backgrounds. Rashee Rice has said that he admires Jerry Rice and considers him an inspiration for his own game.
According to Wikipedia, Rashee Rice’s parents are Rashad Rice Sr. and Shalonda Johnson-Rice. According to Biography, Jerry Rice’s parents are Joe Nathan Rice Sr. and Eddie B. Rucker-Rice.
Conclusion
Rashee Rice is not related to Jerry Rice, but he is following his footsteps as a talented wide receiver in the NFL. Rashee Rice has a bright future ahead of him with the Chiefs, while Jerry Rice remains an icon of the sport with his unparalleled achievements.
