The rookie wide receiver for Kansas City discussed taking on a leadership role within his position group in a recent interview.
Rashee Rice of the Kansas City Chiefs, a wide receiver, discussed his incredible rookie season with former NFL wideout T. J. Houshmandzadeh on an episode of “Airing It Out” on Fubo Sports following another outstanding performance during Sunday’s 27-17 victory over the New England Patriots.
With 68 catches for 754 yards and seven touchdowns, Rice has emerged as Kansas City’s top wide receiver. Rice is happy to have the job, especially considering that he is new.
“All through college and high school,” Rice clarified. “Even though I knew I had to be on the field, I had to wait my turn behind others, developing patience and overcoming hardship. All I really wanted to do was walk in and start making an impression. Being a starter straight away didn’t really worry me. All I wanted was to get onto the field.
Rice calmly addressed the recent doubts expressed about the Chiefs’ wide receivers, especially Kadarius Toney.
He said, “Learning that we don’t have a nice receiver room and other things makes it easier for us to lean on each other and not be the ones pulling each other down because we already have that on the outside. So long as our space is constrained? No, it’s not a big concern for us.
We can assume that [Toney] is aware that he ought to have made the catch; do you understand what I mean? You are aware that we won the game. We will therefore focus a lot on using your eyes to catch the ball when we practice.
Rice understands the value of vocal leadership in the wide receiver room despite his inexperience. In order to improve his focus on eye-catching techniques, he mentioned that he still practices catching tennis balls, underscoring the importance of paying attention to the fundamentals.
Rice claimed to have high expectations for himself, including a 1,000-yard campaign, five touchdowns or more, and a trip to the Pro Bowl or even the Super Bowl. His seven touchdowns have broken the franchise record for rookie wide receivers. He has already surpassed one goal and needs just 246 yards to reach 1,000. He would be the first rookie in Chiefs history to do so.
Rice is currently tied for fourth in receiving touchdowns and ranks 15th in receiving yards in the AFC, increasing his chances of being selected to the Pro Bowl. However, Rice made it clear to Houshmandzadeh that the team’s accomplishments, especially making it to the championship game, would be more important than any individual award.
In addition, Rice stated that he enjoys playing with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and that his outburst after the Buffalo Bills upset the team in Week 14 didn’t bother him.
Rice remarked, “I adore it when he exhibits that emotion because it shows how much he loves the game.” That’s a passion that unites us all; what matters is how we turn things around and win the match. We continue to move forward and support one another even when mistakes are made.
Rice has become a star in a year that has presented difficulties for the Chiefs wide receiver group. As they do on the field, Houshmandzadeh’s maturity and confidence were evident during our conversation.
