When you hear the name Jerry Rice, most people think of one of the greatest NFL players of all time. But behind the scenes, there’s another name closely tied to his life story — Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell. She isn’t a football star herself, but her connection to Jerry Rice, along with her own life experiences, has drawn a lot of attention. Many people want to know more about who she is, her background, and the journey she has been through.
Quick Bio
| Quick Bio | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell |
| Famous As | Ex-wife of NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Jerry Rice) |
| Children | With Jerry Rice: Jaqui Bonet Rice, Jerry Rice Jr., Jada Symone Rice |
| Known For | Marriage to Jerry Rice, coma and recovery story |
| Ex-Husband | Jerry Rice (married 1987 – divorced 2009) |
| Notable Event | Survived a coma during her life journey |
Who Is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell?
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is best known as the first wife of Jerry Rice. While Jerry became famous on the football field, Jacqueline lived much of her life away from the spotlight. Still, being married to such a high-profile athlete brought her into public view. Over the years, people have grown curious about her — not only because of her marriage but also because of the personal challenges she faced, including surviving a coma.
If you’ve ever wondered about the personal side of a sports legend’s life, Jacqueline’s story offers a very real glimpse. She represents the part of Jerry Rice’s journey that happened off the field, inside his home and family.
READ ALSO: Ka Ho Cho: Redd Foxx’s Fourth Wife, Bio, Age, Nationality, and Life Today
Early Life and Background
Details about Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s early life are not widely publicized, but what we do know is that she was born in the United States and is of African-American heritage. Unlike celebrities who grow up in the spotlight, Jacqueline lived a more private life before meeting Jerry Rice.
Sometimes, people forget that behind the fame of NFL stars, there are families with their own stories. Jacqueline’s early years may not have been the focus of headlines, but they shaped the woman who later stood by Jerry Rice during the height of his career.
Marriage to Jerry Rice
Jacqueline and Jerry Rice married in 1987. At that time, Jerry’s football career was taking off, and he was becoming one of the most talked-about players in the league. Being married to a rising sports icon brought its own mix of excitement and challenges.
Their marriage lasted for more than two decades, making Jacqueline a big part of Jerry’s personal life during his years of fame. Together, they raised a family and built a life that many fans didn’t always get to see. While Jerry made history on the field, Jacqueline played a key role in holding things together at home.
Life as Jerry Rice’s Wife
Being the wife of a superstar athlete isn’t always as glamorous as it may seem. For Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell, it meant living in the shadow of Jerry Rice’s success while also handling the pressures that came with fame. There were constant media eyes, the expectations of being linked to a football legend, and the responsibility of raising their children while Jerry’s career kept him busy.
This side of her story reminds us that while the world often celebrates the athlete, the partner who supports them also has a journey worth telling. Jacqueline lived through the highs of Jerry’s career, but she also faced struggles that were very personal.
Children and Family
During their marriage, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice had three children together. Their names are Jaqui Bonet Rice, Jerry Rice Jr., and Jada Symone Rice. Each child grew up with a unique balance of having a world-famous father and a mother who kept family life grounded.
Raising kids while being connected to the spotlight was not always easy, but Jacqueline managed to give her children a stable upbringing. Her daughter Jaqui is known for her love of fitness and healthy living, Jerry Rice Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and played football, and Jada grew up with her own interests and personality. For Jacqueline, being a mother was one of her most important roles.
Health Struggles and Coma
One of the most difficult moments in Jacqueline’s life was when she fell into a coma. This health struggle became a turning point in her story. A coma is a very serious condition, and for Jacqueline, it was a challenge that tested both her strength and her family’s support.
Surviving such a medical crisis is never easy, but Jacqueline managed to pull through. Her recovery showed resilience and determination. Many people admire her not just for being Jerry Rice’s ex-wife, but for the courage she showed in overcoming such a life-threatening experience.
Divorce From Jerry Rice
After more than 20 years of marriage, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice divorced in 2009. Like many long relationships, theirs went through ups and downs. Living in the spotlight often puts extra pressure on a marriage, and theirs was no different.
The divorce marked the end of their chapter together, but it also showed that both Jacqueline and Jerry wanted to move forward with their lives in new ways. For Jacqueline, this was a chance to focus on herself and her family outside of Jerry’s fame. Even though the marriage ended, her story as part of Jerry Rice’s life will always remain important.
Life After Jerry Rice
After her divorce, Jacqueline chose to live a more private life. Unlike Jerry, who stayed in the public eye through football events and media, Jacqueline preferred to step away. Today, she is known more for her role as a mother and her inspiring journey of survival rather than for chasing fame.
Her story is one of strength, resilience, and moving forward. Many people respect her for the way she handled the spotlight, her personal struggles, and her commitment to her family. Even in 2025, fans of Jerry Rice and those who admire powerful life stories continue to search for more about Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell.
Who is Jerry Rice?
Jerry Rice is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of American football. Born on October 13, 1962, in Starkville, Mississippi, he grew up in a small town where his natural athletic talent quickly stood out. Rice played college football at Mississippi Valley State University, where he set several records and caught the attention of NFL scouts. He went on to be drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1985, beginning a career that would make him a household name.
During his time in the NFL, Jerry Rice became known for his incredible speed, precise route running, and unmatched work ethic. He played the majority of his career with the 49ers, helping the team win three Super Bowls. Later, he also spent time with the Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks.
Rice retired with nearly every major receiving record, including the most career receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches — achievements that earned him the nickname “The GOAT” (Greatest of All Time).
Off the field, Jerry Rice became a respected public figure and continued to stay active in sports and entertainment. He appeared on TV shows, participated in charity work, and often spoke about discipline, perseverance, and success. His story inspires both athletes and non-athletes, showing how hard work and dedication can lead to extraordinary achievements. Even today, in 2025, his name remains synonymous with excellence in football.
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell Age and Net Worth
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s exact age has not been made public, as she has lived most of her life outside the spotlight. What is known is that she married Jerry Rice in 1987, and at that time, both were quite young.
Given Jerry Rice was born in 1962, it is often assumed that Jacqueline is close to him in age, likely in her late 50s or early 60s in 2025. However, since she has kept her personal details private, her actual birth year and age remain unconfirmed.
When it comes to Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s net worth, there is no verified figure available. Unlike Jerry Rice, whose wealth and career earnings are widely reported, Jacqueline has always lived a private life away from media attention.
Some sources suggest that she may have received financial support after her divorce from Jerry in 2009, but the details have never been disclosed publicly. What can be said is that her net worth is tied more to her role as Jerry Rice’s ex-wife rather than to a public career or business ventures of her own.
Is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell Die?
There are no credible reports that Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell has died. As of 2025, she is still alive. Some people may confuse her story with the fact that she once went through a very serious health crisis when she fell into a coma, but she recovered from that experience.
The coma was a major challenge in her life, and it became a well-known part of her personal journey, but it did not lead to her passing. It’s important to be clear that Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is not deceased, and any claims about her death are not supported by verified sources.
Conclusion
The life of Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is more than just being Jerry Rice’s ex-wife. It is a story of love, family, hardship, and survival. From supporting Jerry during his legendary NFL career, to raising their children, to surviving a coma, and finally finding her own peace after divorce — Jacqueline’s journey shows strength in every stage.
Her name will always be linked with Jerry Rice, but her own life story stands out as inspiring on its own. For anyone looking beyond the bright lights of football, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s story is a reminder that real strength often comes from the quiet battles we don’t always see.
READ ALSO: All About Amy Sherrill: Tim Duncan’s Ex-Wife, Bio, Family & Life Story
FAQs
Q1. Who is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell?
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is best known as the former wife of NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice. She gained public attention for her marriage, divorce, and her inspiring recovery story after surviving a coma.
Q2. When did Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell marry Jerry Rice?
She married Jerry Rice in 1987, and the two were together for over two decades before finalizing their divorce in 2009.
Q3. How many children does Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell have with Jerry Rice?
She shares three children with Jerry Rice: Jaqui Bonet Rice, Jerry Rice Jr., and Jada Symone Rice.
Q4. What happened to Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell?
She went through a serious health challenge that left her in a coma, an experience that became an important part of her life story.
Q5. What is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s nationality and ethnicity?
She is American by nationality and is of African-American ethnicity.
Q6. Why is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell famous?
She is primarily recognized as Jerry Rice’s ex-wife, but her life also draws interest because of her resilience, family life, and her connection to one of the greatest NFL players in history.
Disclaimer
This article about Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell, Jerry Rice’s ex-wife, is based on publicly available information from credible sources. While we aim to provide accurate and updated details about her life, some information may be subject to change or may not be fully verified. The content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as absolute fact. We do not intend to cause harm, spread misinformation, or infringe on anyone’s privacy.
