Kansas City’s rookie speaks out about becoming the new leader of his position group.
Rashee Rice, a wide receiver, no longer needs to "wait his turn" after joining the Chiefs.
After an outstanding performance in Sunday’s 27-17 victory over the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs’ wide receiver Rashee Rice discussed his impressive rookie season with former NFL wideout T. J. Houshmandzadeh on an episode of “Airing It Out” on Fubo Sports.
Rice has become the primary wide receiver for Kansas City, tallying 68 catches for 754 yards and seven touchdowns. Reflecting on his journey as a rookie, Rice expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute, especially given his past experiences of waiting his turn in high school and college.
“Throughout high school and college,” Rice explained, “I had to wait my turn behind others, learning patience and facing adversity — while knowing I needed to be on the field. I really just wanted to come in [and] have an impact right away. I wasn’t necessarily worried about being a starter right away. I was just trying to get on the field.”
Addressing recent criticism of the Chiefs’ wide receivers, including Kadarius Toney, Rice maintained composure and highlighted the importance of team unity amid external doubts.
“Hearing that we ain’t got a good receiver room — stuff like that — it just kind of makes it easier for us to lean on each other and not be the people that’s bringing each other down,” he remarked, “because we already got that on the outside. So as long as our room is tight? Nah, we’re not really worried about it. We know that [Toney] knows that he should have made the catch — you know [what] I’m saying? And you know we didn’t lose the game. So when we get to practice, we’re going to be heavy on catching the ball with your eyes.”
Despite his rookie status, Rice emphasized the importance of vocal leadership in the wide receiver room and the continual focus on fundamentals. He mentioned practicing with a tennis ball to enhance his eye-catching skills.
Rice set ambitious goals for himself, including a 1,000-yard season, at least five touchdowns, and the aspiration of a Pro Bowl or Super Bowl appearance. Surpassing one goal, his seven touchdowns have set a new franchise record for rookie wideouts, and he is just 246 yards away from reaching the 1,000-yard mark, which would make him the first Chiefs rookie to achieve that milestone.
In the AFC, Rice currently ranks 15th in receiving yards and is tied for fourth in receiving touchdowns, making a Pro Bowl selection a distinct possibility. However, he emphasized to Houshmandzadeh that team success, particularly reaching the championship game, takes precedence over individual accolades.
Expressing his admiration for playing alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Rice brushed off any concerns about Mahomes’ emotional outburst after the Week 14 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
“I love when he shows that emotion,” said Rice, “because it reflects his strong love for the game. We all share that passion — and it’s about how we bounce back and finish the game. Even if mistakes happen, we support each other and keep pushing forward.”
In a challenging year for the Chiefs’ wide receiver corps, Rice has emerged as a star. His maturity and confidence, evident in the conversation with Houshmandzadeh, continue to shine on the field.
