Introduction
Rashee Rice is one of the most talked-about young wide receivers in the NFL. With breakout performances, a compelling background, and a name that draws inevitable comparisons to Jerry Rice — widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver of all time — many fans and observers want to know: are they related? Who are Rashee’s parents? And what about the high-speed crash that made headlines in 2024? This article dives deep into his life story, family background, criminal case, and everything you need to know.
Early Life & Family: Who Are Rashee Rice’s Parents?
Rashee Rice was born on April 22, 2000, and raised in the Dallas-area suburb of North Richland Hills, Texas.
His parents are Drashee Rice and Marsha Kearney. According to public sources:
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Drashee and Marsha have chosen to keep their personal and professional details largely private.
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The couple separated more than two decades ago, but reportedly maintain a cordial relationship and occasionally come together to support Rashee at games.
Rashee grew up with half-siblings, though he remains the only child of Drashee and Marsha together.
Despite the public spotlight, the family has kept a low profile; little else is known about his parents’ background, occupation, or personal lives.
Rashee vs Jerry Rice: Are They Related?
Given the shared last name and both being wide receivers in the NFL, many fans have speculated about a possible familial link. But the truth is:
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There is no known family relation between Rashee Rice and Jerry Rice. The similarity in surname and playing position is purely coincidental.
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Rashee’s father, Drashee Rice, is not related to Jerry.
Thus, while both share a last name and plays the same position, they come from different lineages — without any documented ancestral connection.
Because of this clarification, many web pages and fact-checks emphasize: Rashee Rice is not Jerry Rice’s son or relative.
Football Career: Rise of Rashee Rice
Rashee’s journey in football reflects talent, hard work, and rapid ascent:
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He played college football at SMU Mustangs, where his senior year (2022) stood out. He recorded 96 catches for 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns — career bests that drew NFL attention.
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In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected him in the second round (55th overall).
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His rookie season was impressive: 79 receptions, 938 receiving yards, and 7 touchdowns over 16 games — marking him as a rising wide receiver in the league.
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In the postseason, he made history by setting the NFL record for most postseason receptions by a rookie, hauling in 26 passes in the Chiefs’ 2023–24 playoff run.
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All of this culminated in Rashee winning Super Bowl LVIII as a rookie — a feat that cemented his status as one to watch.
But despite the on-field success, his career has since been complicated by off-field issues.
The 2024 Car Accident: What Really Happened
The Crash
On March 30, 2024, Rashee was driving a leased Lamborghini Urus — allegedly at high speed — on the North Central Expressway in Dallas.
He and another driver (in a Corvette) caused a chain-reaction crash, damaging at least five other vehicles and injuring multiple people.
After the collision, dashcam and reports claimed that both drivers exited their vehicles and fled on foot, without checking on the welfare of the other motorists.
Arrest and Charges
A few days after the accident, an arrest warrant was issued. On April 12, 2024, Rashee turned himself in to police in Glenn Heights, Texas, and was briefly jailed in DeSoto County before being released on bond.
He was initially charged with:
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Aggravated assault ✦
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Collision involving serious bodily injury ✦
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Multiple counts of collision involving injuries.
Authorities also alleged racing on a highway, reckless driving at high speed, and a hit-and-run.
Plea Deal and Sentencing
In July 2025, Rashee pleaded guilty to two third-degree felonies: one for collision involving serious bodily injury, and one for highway racing causing bodily injury.
As part of a plea agreement:
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He was sentenced to 30 days in jail (to be served at any point during a five-year probation period).
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He was ordered to pay $115,481.91 towards victims’ out-of-pocket medical expenses.
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Additional charges were dismissed under the deal.
Fallout & Reactions
The case stirred wide criticism. An attorney representing one of the victims publicly slammed both Rashee and the league (the National Football League, NFL) for what he described as insufficient accountability — “He can play, but can’t pay.”
Despite the guilty plea and sentencing, the NFL initially suspended him for six games in the 2025 season rather than a longer ban.
Amid public backlash, many have criticized the perceived leniency given his actions — especially given the serious injuries and damage caused.
What It Means for Rashee’s Career — and Legacy
The impact of the crash and legal judgement on Rashee Rice’s career is multifaceted:
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The 30-day jail sentence, probation, financial liability, and public scrutiny tarnish his off-field image.
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NFL suspension for six games removes immediate playing time and could hurt his standing with fans, sponsors, and the league.
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Long-term legacy: While his rookie achievements are impressive, this incident may linger as a stain on what could have been a clean rise.
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Trust and reputation: For teammates, stakeholders, fans — trust matters. For many, a high-speed crash and hit-and-run is a serious breach of responsibility.
Nevertheless, he remains a skilled receiver, and how he responds — on and off the field — will shape whether he recovers his reputation.
FAQ — Common Questions About Rashee Rice
Q: Is Rashee Rice related to Jerry Rice?
A: No. Despite sharing the surname and playing the same position, there is no family relationship between Rashee Rice and Jerry Rice.
Q: Who are Rashee Rice’s parents?
A: His parents are Drashee Rice and Marsha Kearney. They separated long ago but reportedly remain amicable and supportive of their son.
Q: What happened in the 2024 car accident?
A: On March 30, 2024, Rashee, driving a leased Lamborghini Urus at high speed, was involved in a multi-car crash on a Dallas highway. The crash injured multiple people, other cars were damaged, and Rashee fled the scene on foot.
Q: Was he convicted? What was the sentence?
A: Yes. In July 2025, Rashee pleaded guilty to two third-degree felonies (collision involving serious bodily injury and highway racing causing injury). He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, five years probation, and ordered to pay about $115,482 in medical costs for victims.
Q: Did the accident and verdict affect his NFL career?
A: Yes. The NFL suspended him for six games in the 2025 season. The incident and its legal consequences have also harmed his reputation off the field.
Conclusion
Rashee Rice’s story is a potent mix of rising athletic talent, early success, and a serious off-field misstep. On one hand, his ascent in the NFL — stellar college years, a strong rookie campaign, and a Super Bowl ring — marks him as a player with genuine promise. On the other, the 2024 high-speed crash and subsequent guilty plea cast a long shadow, threatening to define not just a moment in time, but potentially his legacy.
Importantly: any comparison between Rashee and Jerry Rice ends at their last name and position — there is no familial link. Rashee’s background, upbringing, and journey are his own.
Whether he redeems himself, both on and off the field, remains to be seen. The coming seasons — and how he carries himself — will tell whether he’s remembered for his talent, or the crash that halted his momentum.
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