Fact Check: Is Rashee Rice related to Jerry Rice? Exploring new Chiefs WR’s family

The Kansas City Chiefs have acquired a new pass catcher with a familiar last name that has caught the attention of fans.

During Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft, the defending Super Bowl champions surprised fans by trading up eight spots from 63rd overall to draft Rashee Rice from SMU Mustangs.

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However, many fans are wondering if Rashee Rice is related to the all-time great Jerry Rice

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Jerry Rice and Rashee Rice relationship: Comparing their backgrounds

A fact check reveals that Jerry and Rashee Rice have no relation to each other.

Jerry Rice was born in Starkville, Mississippi, on October 13, 1962 and grew up in a family of eight children. His father was a mason, and his mother worked as a house cleaner. Despite not playing any sports in high school, Jerry's speed impressed his principal, who recommended him to the football coach, leading to his breakout in college.

On the other hand, Rashee Rice was born in North Richland Hills, Texas, on April 22, 2000, and little is known about his family. He spent his entire collegiate career at Southern Methodist University, where he caught over 1,000 yards as a senior, scored ten touchdowns, and made the All-AAC First Team.

What does Rashee Rice bring to the Kansas City Chiefs?

In Rashee Rice, Patrick Mahomes has another deep threat to throw to

Despite their status as defending champions, the Kansas City Chiefs are not resting on their laurels. Having lost JuJu Smith-Schuster to the new England Patriots, they needed another deep threat to complement tight end Travis Kelce, and Rashee Rice could be that man.

The 55th overall pick joins a WR corps starring Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore, and Justin Watson. With such a loaded team, including tight end Travis Kelce, the Chiefs have the potential to lead the passing game leaderboards this season.

About the author

Andre Castillo is an NFL journalist at Sportskeeda who holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Master’s degree in Journalism. He has over seven years of working experience and has also covered MMA with FanSided, wrestling with The Sportster, and automobiles with Hot Cars.

Andre follows the New York Jets and the Washington Commanders, mostly because he likes their colors. His favorite position is tight end, and players like Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce have always drawn Andre's attention when watching a game. Bill Belichick is his favorite coach, and his all-time favorite Super Bowl is the XLII edition, when the underdog New York Giants upset the then-undefeated New England Patriots.

If he can change one moment in NFL history, it will be from the NFC Championship Game in January 2019. In that game, a highly controversial no-call cost the Saints what would have been Drew Brees' second Super Bowl visit, where he would have faced Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Andre is always on the lookout for fresh perspectives in a story and ensures complete factual accuracy by double-checking all information before using it in his articles. He has an innate understanding of how to present information in an efficient and compelling way.

Outside the writing realm, Andre is a professional licensed teacher. His hobbies include watching UFC, MotoGP, playing the piano, and travelling.

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Edited by SO