Rashee Rice breaks his silence following legal issues with a surprising comment about Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs ‘ preseason opener is a few days away, and the two-time defending Super Bowl champions are getting ever closer to turning the page on a tumultuous offseason. Arguably no player faced more scrutiny this spring than talented.

second-year receiver Rashee Rice, who continues to face a potential suspension from the NFL following a high-speed hit-and-run in Dallas earlier this year.

The Chiefs have stood by Rice throughout the legal process, and the player had stayed away from reporters throughout Kansas City’s training camp, held in nearby St. Joseph, Missouri. However, Rice broke his silence Tuesday when he met with the media at Missouri Western State University.

Rice thanks Mahomes for his support
Rice, who helped the Chiefs defend their Super Bowl title with an outstanding rookie season in 2023, did not directly address his pending legal issues, which include one count of aggravated assault, one count of collision involving serious bodily injury, and six counts of collision involving injury stemming from the Dallas freeway incident on March 30. However, he did have some words to say about Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Rice credited Mahomes for being “only a call away” at all times, even when he felt at his lowest. The former Southern Methodist star said Mahomes has been “very important” as he sifts through the ongoing legal problems.

“He’s there for me whenever I need him, on or off the field,” Rice said.

Mahomes has been celebrated for his leadership qualities since he took over as Kansas City’s starting quarterback in 2018, a move that kicked off the Chiefs’ golden era. Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and head coach Andy Reid have been the foundational pieces in a dynasty that has won three Super Bowl titles in five years, and they can become the first team ever to win it three years in a row in 2024.

But Rice’s availability is a big part of what the Chiefs hope to achieve this season. The 24-year-old understands that, and all he can do is pledge to improve as a human being following the controversies of recent months.

“The main thing for me is being able to be the best person I can be for my team so we can all come together and dominate,” Rice said. “Just continue to surround myself with people that I want to be like and just continue to surround myself with people that allow me to grow.”