Jerry Rice is widely considered one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. Rice’s son Brenden Rice followed in his father’s footsteps and recently became an NFL receiver.
The younger Rice finished his college football career with 1,821 receiving yards. He declared for the NFL Draft earlier this year, but was taken in the seventh round by the Los Angeles Chargers last month.
Many projected Brenden to be a second-day or same-day draft pick, but his slide to the final round of the draft surprised some, especially his Hall of Fame father.
“My father was hot,” Rice told reporters with a laugh. “You guys are going to take the flash like…a humble guy, right? I, he’s like, ‘Hell, we’re going to take this to another level. They’re going to feel us.’ ”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Jerry Rice poses for a photo with son Brenden Rice #WO25 of Southern California during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durette/Getty Images)
Rice attended a friend’s funeral on the same day the Chargers called him and told him he would be one of their draft picks.
“It was like a blessing from God, because God allowed me to just mourn my friend’s death, and then just move on and be happy,” Rice said. It was day,” he said.
NFL legend Jerry Rice’s son believes he and Cave Williams could be the next Tom Brady-Rob Gronkowski duo
He found a silver lining in his unexpected fall in the draft. The 22-year-old had an opportunity to catch a pass from quarterback Justin Herbert.
“I’m in the best position possible to move forward and make my mark and build my own legacy. I’m going from Caleb Williams to Justin Herbert and being in a room where I can compete every day.” ” Rice said.
Former pro football player and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Jerry Rice greets his son, USC Trojan No. 2 Brenden, after a spring football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on April 15, 2023 in Los Angeles. Talk to Rice. , California. (Jane Kamin Onsia/Getty Images)
The Chargers moved on from wide receiver Mike Williams this offseason and traded away six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen, giving Rice an opportunity to play a key role in the team’s offense.
“It’s all my fault. If you guys don’t see me coming this fall, it’s my fault. If you guys see me out, I’ll do my best.” Make the effort it takes to get your foot in the door and get out.”
USC quarterback Caleb Williams (right) speaks with No. 6 Austin Jones, No. 2 Brenden Rice and No. 16 Taj Washington at USC’s Pro Day on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. (David Crane/Media News Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)
Rice spent the first two seasons of his college football career at Colorado before transferring to USC in 2022.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Brenden suggested that while the jury is still out on whether he is a better athlete than his father, he is certainly motivated to surpass his father’s NFL rookie accomplishments.
“I feel like we’re even. I’m faster and I heard he didn’t have a good rookie season in the NFL,” Rice said. “I have to surpass him.”
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcastplease subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
