Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice would only refer to his legal team when asked about his ongoing court case. He did say that he is looking to grow both on the field as a player and off it as a person. Rice was far more open about his on-field chemistry with Patrick Mahomes, whom he said has “been very important” throughout his legal issues.
On the field, they are continuing to build their rapport.
Rashee Rice Talks Chemistry With Patrick Mahomes in Chiefs Training Camp
“I feel like our chemistry is going to continue to grow,” Rice told reporters on August 6. “I feel like it’s been growing throughout this offseason and as well as during this camp right now. All we’re looking forward to is to continue to grow and just better whether it’s preseason, regular season, or even playoffs.”
Rice had 79 receptions for 938 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games with eight starts as a rookie. He set the record for receptions and had the second-most receiving yards and touchdowns in a single season by a Chiefs rookie receiver.
He still sits atop the Chiefs’ pecking order at wideout, but the room has been reworked.
Rashee Rice Looking to Guide Rooke Xavier Worthy
The Chiefs receiving group was mired in anonymity coming into the 2023 season and inconsistency during it. They revamped the group in the offseason, adding Hollywood Brown in free agency and drafting rookie Xavier Worth in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
“We’re electric,” Rice said. “We just looking forward to putting on a show. We’re ready to go out there and have fun with each other.”
Rice is even taking on a leadership role with Worthy.
“The next step for me is to bring the guys around me up,” Rice said when asked directly. “We got X here, so whatever I learned last year, he needs to learn now so that we can continue to grow together.”
The Chiefs won the Super Bowl with Mahomes having a down season by his own lofty standards.
Their revamped wide receiver room has the offense taking more shots downfield in camp.
There’s been a distinct change of mindset for the Kansas City Chiefs to get back to taking shots down the field.
All the video I’ve seen out of #ChiefsKingdom camp is Patrick Mahomes launching the ball so I thought I’d break it all down!
🎥: @KCSportsNetwork pic.twitter.com/kQY3EpV2CQ
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) August 5, 2024
Rice says the offense is more exciting that way, noting that Mahomes is having fun with it so they all do.
Rashee Rice Keeping Focus on the ‘Main Thing’ in Training Camp
“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing,” is a phrase first coined by author Stephen Covey. It has since been utilized in various walks of life, including on the gridiron in many different iterations.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts has used it. Now, so has Rice. Sort of.
“Honestly, focusing on the main thing,” Rice said. “The main thing for me right now is being able to be the best person I can be for my team so we can all come together and dominate.”
That is a key as he forges on with his ongoing legal proceedings. He has a court date scheduled for December 9 but could avoid suspension in 2024.
Three notes on the Rashee Rice situation:
1) Rapoport noted during the draft that there was a chance Rice avoids suspension in 2024 due to timing
2) Rice’s first court date is set for Dec 9
3) Chiefs owner just said there has been no word from the NFL on possible suspension pic.twitter.com/WVXJRjXRzm
— Graham Barfield (@GrahamBarfield) July 23, 2024
It is through this that Rice’s chemistry with Mahomes again shines.
“He’s been very important,” Rice said about his quarterback’s support. “He’s there for me whenever I need him on or off the field. He’s only a call away, and he’s always gonna pick up my call so I got him.”
Main Photo: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
