Jerry Rice Wife And Biography

Jerry Rice’s name is synonymous with football excellence. His career stats, Super Bowl victories, and numerous records have cemented his place as the greatest wide receiver in NFL history. But behind every great man is a great woman, and for Jerry, that woman is Jackie Rice. This article delves into the life of Jerry Rice, his remarkable career, and the enduring love story he shares with his wife, Jackie.

Jerry Rice’s Bio

Year	Event
1962	Born on October 13 in Crawford, Mississippi
1980	Graduates from B.L. Moor High School in Mississippi
1981	Begins playing college football at Mississippi Valley State University
1984	Sets NCAA records for receptions (301) and receiving yards (4,693)
1985	Drafted 16th overall by the San Francisco 49ers
1985	NFL Debut: 49 receptions, 927 yards, 3 touchdowns
1986	First Pro Bowl selection; leads NFL with 1,570 receiving yards
1987	Marries Jackie Mitchell on September 8
1987	Sets NFL record with 22 touchdown receptions in a season
1988	Wins first Super Bowl (XXIII) with the 49ers
1989	Wins second Super Bowl (XXIV) with the 49ers
1990	Named NFL Offensive Player of the Year
1992	Surpasses Steve Largent as all-time leader in receiving touchdowns
1994	Breaks Jim Brown’s record for career touchdowns (126)
1995	Wins third Super Bowl (XXIX) with the 49ers
1996	Becomes NFL’s all-time leader in receiving yards
2000	Leaves the 49ers after 16 seasons
2001	Joins the Oakland Raiders
2004	Brief stint with the Seattle Seahawks
2005	Signs one-day contract to retire as a 49er
2005	Runner-up on “Dancing with the Stars”
2010	Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
2019	Named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

The Mississippi Marvel

Humble beginnings in Crawford

Jerry Lee Rice was born on October 13, 1962, in Crawford, Mississippi. The son of a brick mason, Rice grew up in a household where hard work was not just expected but required. This early exposure to discipline and dedication would shape his future success.

Fun Fact: Crawford, Mississippi, had a population of just over 600 when Jerry was born.

B.L. Moor High School: Where the legend began

At B.L. Moor High School, Rice’s athletic prowess began to shine. However, it wasn’t just his speed or agility that caught the eye of his coaches. It was his unparalleled work ethic.

“I wasn’t the fastest or the biggest, but I was determined to be the best.” – Jerry Rice

Rice’s high school stats were impressive:

Year	Receptions	Yards	Touchdowns
Senior	30	720	11

Mississippi Valley State: Rewriting record books

Rice’s talent earned him a spot at Mississippi Valley State University, where he played from 1981 to 1984. Here, he didn’t just play football; he revolutionized it.

• Set NCAA records for receptions (301) and receiving yards (4,693)
• Averaged 10 catches per game
• Nicknamed “World” because there wasn’t a ball in the world he couldn’t catch

49ers’ Golden Catch

The 1985 NFL Draft: 16th overall pick

Despite his college success, Rice wasn’t the first wide receiver chosen in the 1985 NFL Draft. The San Francisco 49ers, however, saw his potential and traded up to select him 16th overall.

Bill Walsh’s diamond in the rough

Legendary coach Bill Walsh recognized Rice’s potential immediately. Walsh’s West Coast offense was tailor-made for a receiver with Rice’s skills and work ethic.

Case Study: The Rice Effect In Rice’s rookie year, the 49ers’ offense improved dramatically:

• Total yards increased by 544
• Passing yards jumped by 281
• Team scored 51 more points than the previous season

Breaking records and winning hearts

Rice’s NFL career was nothing short of spectacular:

• 13× Pro Bowl selections
• 10× First-team All-Pro
• 3× Super Bowl champion
• NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
• NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

Bold Fact: Rice holds over 100 NFL records, more than any other player in league history.

Jackie Rice: The Woman Behind the Legend

First encounter: A tale of fate

Jerry met Jackie in 1983 while still at Mississippi Valley State. Their first encounter was brief but memorable.

“I saw her across the room, and I just knew she was special.” – Jerry Rice

Courtship in the spotlight

As Jerry’s star began to rise in the NFL, his relationship with Jackie grew stronger. Despite the pressures of fame, they managed to build a solid foundation.

Key Moments in Their Courtship:

• First official date: A quiet dinner in San Francisco
• Public debut: 1985 49ers team gala
• Engagement: Christmas Eve, 1986

Wedding bells and touchdowns

Jerry and Jackie tied the knot on September 8, 1987. Their wedding was a blend of NFL royalty and intimate family moments.

Wedding Details:

• Venue: Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, California
• Guests: 150 close friends and family
• Best Man: 49ers teammate Roger Craig
• Honeymoon: Postponed due to NFL season (They later took a trip to Hawaii)

Building a Dynasty, On and Off the Field

Three Super Bowl rings

Jerry’s on-field success was unparalleled. He played a crucial role in three Super Bowl victories for the 49ers:

1. Super Bowl XXIII (1989): 7 receptions, 148 yards, 1 TD
2. Super Bowl XXIV (1990): 7 receptions, 148 yards, 3 TDs
3. Super Bowl XXIX (1995): 10 receptions, 149 yards, 3 TDs

Jackie’s role in Jerry’s success

Behind every catch, every touchdown, and every record was Jackie’s unwavering support. She managed their home life, allowing Jerry to focus on his career.

“Jackie was my rock. She kept me grounded when the fame got too much and lifted me up when I faced setbacks.” – Jerry Rice

Balancing fame and family life

The Rices worked hard to maintain a normal family life despite Jerry’s fame. They established routines and traditions that kept them connected.

Rice Family Traditions:

• Sunday family dinners (during off-season)
• Annual family vacations
• Attending each other’s important events

The Rice Family Playbook

Raising gridiron royalty

Jerry and Jackie are parents to three children:

1. Jaqui Bonet (born 1987)
2. Jerry Rice Jr. (born 1991)
3. Jada Symone (born 1996)

Tackling parenthood together

Parenting in the spotlight presented unique challenges, but Jerry and Jackie approached it as a team.

Parenting Principles:

• Emphasizing education alongside athletics
• Teaching the value of hard work
• Maintaining privacy despite public interest

Family traditions and values

The Rices instilled strong values in their children, many of which mirrored the principles that made Jerry successful on the field.

• Perseverance
• Humility
• Giving back to the community

Beyond the End Zone

Life after retirement

Jerry retired from the NFL in 2006, but his post-football life has been anything but quiet.

Post-NFL Ventures:

• NFL analyst for various networks
• Motivational speaking
• Golf (Rice has a +1.2 handicap!)

Jerry and Jackie’s business ventures

The Rices have expanded their influence beyond sports:

• G8 Performance: A fitness equipment company
• Rice Energy: Involved in natural gas and oil production
• Various real estate investments

Dancing with the Stars: A new kind of touchdown

In 2005, Jerry participated in “Dancing with the Stars,” finishing as the runner-up. This venture showed a different side of the NFL legend and endeared him to a new audience.

DWTS Performance Highlights:

• Quickstep: Scored 36/40
• Samba: Scored perfect 40/40
• Freestyle: Brought the house down with a football-themed routine

Giving Back: The Rice Way

Youth football camps

Jerry’s passion for football extends to nurturing young talent. His annual youth camps have become a staple in the football community.

Camp Details:

• Location: Various cities across the US
• Duration: 2-3 days
• Participants: Boys and girls aged 7-17
• Focus: Football skills, teamwork, and character building

Charity work and community engagement

The Rices are committed to various charitable causes:

• Jerry Rice 127 Foundation: Supports underprivileged youth
• American Heart Association: Jerry is a national spokesperson
• Make-A-Wish Foundation: Regular participant in wish-granting events

Inspiring the next generation of athletes and leaders

Jerry and Jackie frequently speak at schools and community events, sharing their experiences and inspiring young people to pursue their dreams.

“Success isn’t just about what you accomplish. It’s about what you inspire others to do.” – Jerry Rice

Love That Stands the Test of Time

Navigating challenges in the public eye

Like any couple, Jerry and Jackie have faced their share of challenges. The added pressure of public scrutiny has made their enduring relationship even more remarkable.

Keys to Their Lasting Partnership:

• Open communication
• Mutual respect
• Shared values
• Supporting each other’s individual growth

Supporting each other’s dreams

Throughout their marriage, Jerry and Jackie have been each other’s biggest cheerleaders.

• Jackie supported Jerry’s NFL career, managing family life during his long seasons
• Jerry has been a vocal supporter of Jackie’s personal and professional endeavors

The secret to their lasting partnership

After over three decades together, Jerry and Jackie’s relationship continues to thrive.

“We’re not just husband and wife, we’re best friends. That’s the foundation of everything.” – Jackie Rice

The Rice Legacy

Jerry’s place in NFL history

Jerry Rice’s impact on football is immeasurable. His records seem unbreakable:

• Career receptions: 1,549
• Career receiving yards: 22,895
• Career total touchdowns: 208

Jackie’s influence on and off the field

While Jerry made headlines on the field, Jackie’s influence behind the scenes was equally important. She’s been:

• A role model for NFL wives and partners
• An advocate for family stability in professional sports
• A silent partner in many of Jerry’s business ventures

Their impact on future generations

The Rice legacy extends beyond football:

• Jerry Rice Jr. played college football at UCLA and UNLV
• Jaqui and Jada have pursued successful careers outside of sports
• The family’s philanthropic work continues to impact communities across the country

Looking to the Future

New chapters and adventures

As they enter their golden years, Jerry and Jackie continue to evolve:

• Increased focus on their charitable foundation
• Exploring new business opportunities
• Enjoying their roles as grandparents

Continuing to inspire

The Rices remain active in various communities:

• Mentoring young athletes and entrepreneurs
• Speaking engagements on teamwork and perseverance
• Writing books and sharing their life experiences

The Rice family’s evolving story

As Jerry and Jackie’s children forge their own paths, the Rice family story continues to unfold. Their journey serves as an inspiration for many, demonstrating how talent, hard work, and a strong partnership can lead to extraordinary success both on and off the field.

Conclusion

Jerry Rice’s journey from a small town in Mississippi to NFL greatness is a testament to his extraordinary talent and work ethic. But equally important is the enduring love story he shares with Jackie Rice. Together, they’ve navigated the peaks of success and the challenges of life in the spotlight, emerging as a power couple whose influence extends far beyond the football field. Their story is not just about sports records and accolades, but about family, love, and leaving a lasting positive impact on the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Jerry Rice’s current wife?
   Answer: Jerry Rice is currently married to Latisha Pelayo. They wed in 2019.
2. Was Jerry Rice married before?
   Answer: Yes, Jerry Rice was previously married to Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell from 1987 to 2007.
3. How many children does Jerry Rice have?
   Answer: Jerry Rice has four children: three with his first wife Jacqueline (Jaqui, Jerry Jr., and Jada) and one with Latisha Pelayo.
4. Where was Jerry Rice born and raised?
   Answer: Jerry Rice was born in Starkville, Mississippi, and raised in Crawford, Mississippi.
5. What is Jerry Rice most famous for in his football career?
   Answer: Jerry Rice is widely considered the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, known for his record-breaking career with the San Francisco 49ers.