Jerry Rice is considered one of the greatest wide receivers that the NFL has ever seen. Though the former NFL star ended his career long ago, he is always in the media for his personal life, especially his married life.
Rice was a loving and caring husband to his first wife Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and he has maintained an amicable relationship even after the divorce. Following the divorce, he is together with his second wife Latisha Pelayo and it’s obvious that he has been equally devoted to her.
So let’s walk through the married life and relationships of Jerry Rice in the following sections.
Jerry Rice Married Latisha Pelayo After Over A Decade of Dating
Rice has been leading a happily married life with his second wife, Latisha Pelayo for 4 years. The husband and wife tied the knot on October 20, 2019, at Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley.
Guests enjoyed cocktails in the vineyard while they dined on the lawn by candlelight before they headed to cut Rice and Pelayo’s four-tier wedding cake.
The couple started dating back in 2008, and have been together for over one and a half decades. The duo started dating even before Rice’s divorce from his former wife Mitchell was finalized. The former husband and wife officially divorced in December 2009. Rice and Mitchell were separated for some time when the former started dating Pelayo. Mitchell filed for divorce in June 2007.
Despite being together for such a long time, they don’t have any children together. But, Rice has four children from his past relationships (which will be discussed later).
He Proposed to Latisha Pelayo at A Charity Gala
The NFL Hall of Famer, Rice proposed to his then-girlfriend Pelayo on March 24, 2018, at the DeBartolo Family Foundation All-Star Charity Gala. In a video clip that showed their proposal, Rice can be seen standing at the podium with Pelayo standing on his side.
“I have four words that I want to say to her. That I want to say to this woman that has supported me for so many years” Rice said before asking Pelayo “Latisha … will you marry me?”
The crowd erupted in cheer after Rice popped the question which was followed by the former NFL star dropping to one knee and presenting her with a ring.
Jerry Rice’s Wife Is Of Mexican Origin
Pelayo remains under the media radar most of the time which has kept her details concealed. While nothing much about her is prevalent online, we do know for sure that she is of Mexican origin.
Regarding her birthday, Pelayo was born on October 16. Her husband, Rice has wished her on her special day through his Instagram a couple of times. As for her birth year, it is not clear as of yet.
Rice Has Four Children From Past Relationships
Jerry Rice was previously married to his first wife, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell for over two decades. The duo started dating in the mid-1980s and got married in 1987.
From their more than two decades-long marriage, the former husband and wife have three children; two daughters Jaqui Bonet Rice, and Jada Symone Rice, and a son Jerry Rice Jr.
Meanwhile, the former footballer also has another son, Brendan Rice from his other relationship. He gave birth to Brendan with Djakarta Edwards on March 18, 2002. Rice was still married to Jacqueline when he had his second son with Edwards.
Both of His Sons Followed in His Footsteps
Rice’s older son, Jerry Rice Jr. also played football as a wide receiver. He played college football and was also associated with a couple of NFL teams. However, he couldn’t make a good career in football and retired soon. At present, he is a real estate agent based in California.
Likewise, Jerry’s younger son, Brendan has also pursued a football career following in his footsteps. Interestingly, Brendan also plays as a wide receiver.
Brendan played high school football at Hamilton High in Chandler, Arizona, and initially played college football at the University of Colorado. He transferred to the University of Southern California during his sophomore year.
