Fans are curious about Jerry Rice’s wife and his married life journey following his retirement. Check out the trip of his marriage to divorce in detail.

Professional American football player Jerry Rice played wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers. He represented the team for over 20 seasons in the National Football League (NFL).

The former NFL champion officially announced retirement on 5 September 2005, at 43, leaving behind his prosperous twenty-season NFL legacy.

The former NFL star was nicknamed ‘World’ for his catching ability, accomplishments, and setting several records. He is recognized as one of the most excellent receivers in NFL history.

Jerry was ranked second on “Football’s 100 Greatest Players” in 1999. Even after ten years, the NFL Films program, The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players, picked him as the greatest player in NFL history.

In his sports career, the athlete set the record for receiving most touchdowns in a season, with 22, in a twelve-game strike-shortened season. Also, he became the MVP of the former champion after winning Super Bowl III between 1988 and 1989.

Besides his professional NFL career, Rice attended B. L. Moor High School in Oakton, Mississippi, and played mock basketball and football.

The legendary NFL player holds several legacies for breaking NFL records, including 197 career touchdown receptions.

Moreover, he has 208 total touchdowns (197 receiving, one fumble recovery, and ten rushings).

Before retirement, Jerry included the pro footballer in the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team and NFL 1980s All-Decade Team. Furthermore, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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Meet Jerry Rice Wife, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell 

Before learning about Rice and Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s divorce, let’s first dive into the couple’s marriage and love life. 

Rice met Mitchell at an MVS basketball match. Mitchell was still in high school at the time the two first met.

After several years of dating, the pair tied the knot on 8 September 1987. They have three kids together. His first child, Jaqui Bonet Rice, with Jacqueline, was born on 7 June 1987.

Jerry Rice’s wife, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell, was born on 7 January 1967. Mitchell was only 20 when she gave birth to her first child. 

Their other two children are named Jada Symone Rice and Jerry Rice Jr. 

Before separating from his wife in 2009, Mitchell filed for divorce in June 2007. Perhaps, the former pair’s objectives may have included rekindling their disturbed bond. However, they parted ways two years after. 

After the divorce, Rice was in a committed relationship with Latisha Pelayo. Finally, the romantic pair tied the knot after dating for over a decade in 2019 at Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley.

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Jerry Rice Divorce Story

Rice was renowned for his mesmerizing playing skills and his romantic love angle with his current and former partners.

Jerry and Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell declared their separation in June 2007, which was formalized two years later in December 2009.

Reportedly, Jerry won’t disclose why he and Mitchell’s relationship didn’t work out after enjoying two decades of married life. The former NFL GOAT publicly said he would not reveal why he divorced his first wife.  

At their divorce, Jerry was already dating Latina beauty Latisha Pelayo. TMZ reports the two began dating in 2008 after his relationship with Mitchell declined.

Likewise, TMZ Sports captured Jerry and Pelayo’s heart-melting moments during the proposal. The legendary NFL star proposed to his longtime supporter and lover, saying: 

I have four words that I want to say to this woman who has supported me. Latisha, Will you marry me?

Rice presented her with a beautiful ring shortly after the proposal; stunned, Pelayo maintained her poise, proudly replying “yes” and gave him a sweet kiss and hug on stage.

Even after the divorce, Rice has a good relationship with his children and concentrates on giving them his best upbringing.

After the divorce, his former wife may have considerably increased her fortune by obtaining a large marriage settlement from her multi-millionaire former husband.

Despite failing his first marriage and creating a buzz in the media, Rice took time to develop his relationship with Pelayo. He continued to grow their bond instead.

Besides his love life, Jerry’s career-spanning, breathtaking records and achievements inspire new-generation athletes.

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