Brenden Rice is intimately acquainted with the aura of greatness. As the 22-year-old NFL Draft hopeful from USC, he’s no stranger to the weighty legacy left by his father, Jerry Rice, a revered figure in football lore, celebrated as one of the greatest wide receivers in the history of the game.
Despite this formidable lineage, Brenden, himself a wide receiver, has forged his own path, notably forming a bond with another legend, quarterback Caleb Williams, during their time together at USC.
Williams, widely touted as the prospective top pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, has not only been a teammate but a friend to Brenden, who spoke glowingly of Williams during a recent appearance on Keyshawn Johnson’s podcast, “All Facts No Brakes.”
“He’s a dynamic guy,” Brenden praised. “He’s gonna battle day in and day out. I have full trust in him because I’ve had to follow him, and he’s led us time and time again. He’s brought us back to earth… [He’s] the type of guy you want to go play with and play for.”
Brenden’s confidence in Williams extends to his potential transition to the NFL, particularly as the anticipated savior for the Chicago Bears, owners of the coveted first overall pick in the draft.
“I don’t see him going ahead and pulling one of those Eli Mannings,” Brenden remarked, alluding to Eli Manning’s infamous trade request in 2004. “I think he’s gonna go stick out the situation and ball out in the beautiful city of Chicago because that’s who he is.”
The comparison to Manning’s situation, as well as that of John Elway’s draft maneuvering, is notable. However, Keyshawn Johnson, himself a former first-overall pick, believes that Williams lacks the familial clout and leverage that the Mannings or Elway possessed.
“[The Williams] ain’t the Mannings,” Johnson asserted. “If [Caleb] told [the Bears] that he didn’t want to play there…then they’re just not gonna draft him. I promise you that.”
Despite the potential pitfalls, Johnson views Chicago as an ideal landing spot for Williams, citing the city’s hunger for a quarterback of his caliber.
“Going to Chicago is a beautiful thing… If he does his work in Chicago, it’ll be his town,” Johnson declared.
However, the pressure will be palpable, especially for Bears’ coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles. Johnson forewarns that anything short of success could spell swift changes in leadership.
“They’re gonna get fired if they win less than 10 games,” Johnson asserted, a sentiment Brenden echoed.
As for Brenden’s own aspirations, he seeks to carve his own legacy independent of his father’s storied career. Even if fate leads him to his father’s former team, he has no intention of seeking to reclaim his father’s iconic jersey number.
“My pops already created a legacy over there,” Brenden affirmed. “I’m trying to create my own.”
