Son of NFL Hall of Fame legend wakes up unemployed after being brutally cut on eve of new season

Receiver answered an NFL Draft call last year while at a friend’s funeral

AN NFL legend’s son has been axed just days before the start of the season.

The 23-year-old was due to start his second season in the NFL after an underwhelming rookie campaign.

Brenden Rice has been released by the Los Angeles Chargers as they make their final preparations for 2025.

He is the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Jerry Rice, who
spent the majority of his career with the San Francisco 49ers.

Rice Snr is regarded as the greatest wide receiver of all time.

The 62-year-old stands alongside former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady as the most iconic names in the sport.

His son was selected by the Chargers with the 225th pick in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

But after coming through the college system at USC alongside Caleb Williams, Rice has struggled to make an impact in the NFL.

Rice’s Draft day proved bittersweet as he answered the call from the
Chargers at his best friend’s funeral.

The wide receiver made three appearances in the NFL before being cut.

He debuted against the Pittsburgh Steelers in September 2024 in a 20-10 defeat.

Rice’s rookie year involvements with the Chargers were limited to two
further losing appearances.

He took part in just three offensive snaps for the Chargers and was mainly a special teams player.

An October loss against the Arizona Cardinals proved to be his last
outing in powder blue and gold.

He failed to make a mark during preseason this summer as rookies Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith impressed.

High hopes have been placed on Harris after making 85 yards from six receptions as the Chargers suffered a one-point defeat against local rivals the Los Angeles Rams on August 17.

Additionally, Jalen Reagor and Dalevon Campbell remain under
consideration by the Chargers as they finalise their 53-man roster.

Strong performances from his positional rivals have dashed Rice’s hopes of featuring for the Chargers, but it may not be the end of the road for the receiver in Los Angeles.

The Chargers still have the option to assign Rice to their practice
squad if he clears waivers.

This means that Rice could remain with the team if no other NFL teams offer him a contract.

While he has continued his family’s legacy, the 23-year-old’s career
achievements remain minor when compared to that of his three-time Super Bowl-winning father.

And he his now on the hunt for a new franchise as he looks to follow in his dad’s footsteps.