San Francisco, CA – The 49ers sparked buzz just days before Week 1 by hosting a workout tied to greatness. The player is the son of Jerry Rice, the NFL legend who defined San Francisco football history.
Jerry Rice played for the 49ers from 1985 to 2000, winning three Super Bowls and becoming the NFL’s greatest wide receiver. Now, his son is trying to build his own story in the Bay Area.
The Chargers had offered a practice squad spot earlier this week, but the young wideout declined. Instead, he boarded a plane to San Francisco, believing the 49ers offer a stage worthy of his ambitions.
That wideout is Brenden Rice, who worked out for the 49ers on Friday. Drafted in the seventh round in 2024, he played three games as a rookie before his release left him searching for a new opportunity.
For the 49ers, the timing is crucial. Depth behind Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk remains unsettled, and the front office knows the value of insurance at wide receiver when injuries and long seasons inevitably take their toll.
At Notre Dame, Rice showed toughness, size, and contested catch ability. Those traits translate well, but in San Francisco, consistency is demanded. This is the franchise where legends are made—and pressure defines careers.
The 49ers know better than anyone what legacy means. From Montana and Young to Jerry Rice and Owens, the standard is unmatched. Choosing to step into that shadow shows rare courage and hunger to prove himself.
If San Francisco sees enough to keep him, another Rice in red and gold could electrify the fanbase. It wouldn’t just be nostalgia—it could mark the beginning of a powerful new chapter for the 49ers.
