Brenden Rice: NFL Career, Team, Stats, Height, Draft & USC Football

Brenden Rice is an American football wide receiver who played college football at Colorado and USC before entering the NFL in 2024. Known for his size, physicality, and red-zone production, he is also widely recognized as the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. Since being drafted, Brenden Rice has continued to develop as a professional receiver while working to carve out a long-term role at the NFL level.

Brenden Rice Quick Facts

Brenden Rice’s NFL Team and Current Status

Brenden Rice was selected in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. As a late-round pick, his early professional career has focused on development, roster competition, and earning opportunities through practice and depth roles.

Like many receivers drafted on Day 3, Rice’s NFL journey emphasizes:

• Learning complex pro route trees

• Contributing on special teams

• Competing for roster or practice-squad spots

His size and touchdown production at the college level continue to make him an intriguing developmental wide receiver for NFL coaching staffs.

Early Life and Background

Family and upbringing

Brenden Rice grew up immersed in football, surrounded by elite standards and expectations. As the son of Jerry Rice, widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, Brenden was exposed early to professional preparation, discipline, and work ethic. Despite his famous last name, Rice has consistently emphasized building his own identity as a player rather than relying on family legacy.

High school football

Rice played high school football in Arizona, where he showcased his size and ball-tracking ability. He developed into a reliable outside receiver prospect, earning interest from multiple college programs before beginning his NCAA career.

College Football Career

Colorado Buffaloes

Brenden Rice began his college career with the Colorado Buffaloes, where he gained early experience at the Power Five level. In Colorado, he:

• Developed his fundamentals against top competition

• Improved his physical play and blocking

• Laid the foundation for future offensive production

While his statistical output was modest, the experience prepared him for a larger role later in his college career.

USC Trojans Breakout

Rice transferred to the USC Trojans, where his career took a major step forward.

At USC, he became a key red-zone weapon and reliable target, particularly known for:

• Winning contested catches

• Strong body control near the sideline

• Consistent touchdown production

His time with the Trojans highlighted his ability to contribute to high-powered offenses and against elite Pac-12 competition.

College Career Statistics (Overview)

While exact season totals vary, Rice’s USC seasons featured:

• Increased receptions and yards

• Strong touchdown numbers relative to targets

• A clear role as a physical boundary receiver

His college résumé showed steady progression rather than one-year production spikes, which appealed to NFL evaluators looking for development upside.

NFL Draft Profile

Measurements and athletic traits

• Height: 6’3″

• Weight: ~210 lbs

• Frame: Prototypical outside receiver build

Rice’s size gives him an advantage in contested situations, particularly near the goal line.

40-yard dash and testing

Rice posted a solid 40-yard dash time for a bigger receiver, reinforcing that he offers functional NFL athleticism rather than pure speed. His testing aligned with his on-field role as a possession and red-zone receiver.

Draft selection

Rice was selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, Round 7, a range where teams prioritize:

• Physical traits

• Coachability

• Development potential

Late-round selections often require patience, and Rice entered the league with a long-term growth outlook.

Scouting Report and Playing Style

Strengths

• Size and catch radius: Can shield defenders effectively

• Red-zone presence: Natural touchdown threat

• Body control: Strong sideline awareness

• Physicality: Willing blocker and contact-friendly receiver

Areas for improvement

• Route separation: Must continue refining release techniques

• Top-end speed: Relies more on strength than explosiveness

• Consistency: Needs to maximize opportunities when targets are limited

NFL role projection

Rice profiles best as:

• A boundary wide receiver

• A red-zone and third-down option

• A depth receiver with upside in specialized packages

With refinement, he could grow into a reliable rotational target.

Professional Career Outlook

Rookie-year focus

For receivers like Rice, early NFL seasons typically emphasize:

• Special teams contributions

• Practice consistency

• Mastery of playbook responsibilities

Progress in these areas often determines long-term roster security.

Development path

Rice’s path mirrors many productive NFL receivers who entered the league later in the draft and improved through coaching, physical maturity, and opportunity.

Relationship to Jerry Rice

Is Brenden Rice Jerry Rice’s son?

Yes. Brenden Rice is the son of Jerry Rice, the NFL’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. While comparisons are inevitable, Brenden has repeatedly stated that his goal is not to replicate his father’s career but to build his own professional legacy.

Personal Life and Off-Field Notes

Outside football, Rice is known for:

• Strong work ethic

• Professional approach to training

• Emphasis on preparation and film study

These traits are often cited by coaches and scouts as reasons for his continued development.

Final Thoughts

Brenden Rice represents a classic late-round NFL prospect: physically gifted, steadily improving, and motivated to exceed expectations. While his last name draws attention, his professional journey is defined by development, resilience, and the pursuit of his own identity in the league. As his career progresses, Rice’s size and scoring instincts give him a legitimate chance to become a valuable contributor at the NFL level.

FAQs:

1. What position does Brenden Rice play?

He plays wide receiver, primarily lining up on the outside.

2. Where did Brenden Rice play college football?

He played at Colorado before transferring to USC.

3. How tall is Brenden Rice?

He is approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall.

4. Was Brenden Rice drafted into the NFL?

Yes. He was selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.

5. Is Brenden Rice related to Jerry Rice?

Yes. He is Jerry Rice’s son.

6. What type of receiver is Brenden Rice?

He is a physical possession receiver known for contested catches and red-zone production.