“Just Being a Dad, I’m Serious”: What Jerry Rice Is Doing Differently From Deion Sanders, LeBron James and Other Sport Dads

In a world whеrе sports dads like ‘Coach Prime’ Dеion Sandеrs and NBA legend LеBron Jamеs hold thеir opinions likе mighty swords in shaping thеir childrеn’s professional sports dеstiniеs, Hall of Famer Jеrry Ricе stands apart with a rеfrеshing pеrspеctivе.

Whilе Sandеrs’ recent talk of “pulling an Eli” for his sons Shedeur and Shilo and LеBron’s contеmplation of Bronny’s 2024 NBA draft options ignitе hеadlinеs, Ricе takes a very chilled approach with his son Brеndеn Ricе. Thе former 49ers widе rеcеivеr has avoided thе hеlicoptеr parеnting stylе, opting instеad for a hands-off approach that prioritizеs his son’s autonomy.

In a recent episode of All Facts No Breaks with Keyshawn Johnson, when asked about supporting his son Brenden throughout his football journey and witnessing him follow in his father’s footsteps, Rice’s response was simple yet profound: “You know what, just being a dad, man. I am serious.”

Rice emphasized his role as a supportive parent and stated that he refrains from imposing pressure on his son. “If he wants to come to me and ask me about a route or something like that, now it is time to give my legitimate opinion. But I sit in the stands. I am just there for him and I just tell him, ‘Hey, look, this is all about you now. It’s not about me. It’s not about what I have accomplished. You just go work hard and put the work in and be yourself,'” added the GOAT of wide receivers.

Rice’s approach stands in contrast to the strategies employed by other sports parents, such as Deion Sanders’ highly publicized plan to pull an “Eli” for his son Shedeur. When questioned if he would consider a similar approach for Brenden, Rice firmly asserted, “No, no, I wouldn’t do Brenden that way. Because, you know, I am one of those guys that believe that anywhere you go, if you work hard and if you lead by example, you’re gonna have success.”

He expressed a desire for Brenden to forge his own identity in the football world and untethered from his father’s legacy. Following Brenden’s performance at USC’s Pro Day, it appears that Rice’s approach is yielding positive results.

Brеndеn Ricе’s NFL draft stock soars after Pro Day

As the former USC standout wide receiver emerges as a top prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, his performance throughout the pre-draft process has garnered significant attention. From an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, to a solid performance at the NFL Combine where he ran a 40-yard dash in 4.51 seconds, Brenden’s athleticism and skill set have impressed scouts and analysts alike.

Read More: Who Are Brenden Rice’s Parents? A Quick Dive Into Legendary Roots of USC Trojans’ WR

Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 208 pounds, Rice possesses the physical attributes desired in an NFL wide receiver. His 45 receptions for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns during the season further validate his potential impact at the professional level.

While Brenden’s NFL destination remains uncertain and projections place him as a potential fit for teams like the San Francisco 49ers, where his father Jerry Rice achieved legendary status, recent reports indicate that the New England Patriots have been identified as a team in need of an outside receiver, making Brenden a viable option for their roster.

Recent reports indicate that the Los Angeles Chargers hosted Brenden Rice on a top-30 visit, underscoring the widespread interest in his services. With the draft approaching, Brenden’s future in the NFL holds promise, fueled by his talent and dedication and the unwavering support of his father.

Read More: Brendan Rice Regrets Hitting the NCAA Transfer Portal After Coach Prime’s Revolutionary Impact at Colorado