Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is a name that often comes up when people talk about Jerry Rice and wife. While Jerry Rice is known worldwide as the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, Jacqueline’s story is less known. She was his first wife, his partner during his rise to fame, and the mother of his children. This article explores who she is, her marriage with Jerry, their family, her life after divorce, and what makes her journey unique.
Quick Bio Table: Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jacqueline “Jackie” Bernice Mitchell |
| Date of Birth | April 4, 1964 (Reported) |
| Age (2025) | 61 years |
| Place of Birth | Mississippi, USA (Reported) |
| Education | University of Southern Mississippi |
| Known For | First wife of NFL legend Jerry Rice |
| Marriage Date | September 8, 1987 |
| Divorce Date | December 2009 |
| Children | Jaqui Rice Gold, Jerry Rice Jr., Jada Rice |
| Famous Event | Health crisis after Jada’s birth in 1996 |
| Life After Divorce | Chose privacy, focused on family |
| Connection to NFL | Partner during Jerry Rice’s peak career |
| Current Status | Lives privately, out of media spotlight |
Early Life of Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell
The early life of Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is not widely written about. Most reports say she grew up in Mississippi. She joined school events and, later, the University of Southern Mississippi. Some sources even say she was crowned Miss Black Greenville Teen 1984, but this fact is not officially confirmed. Even though the details are light, her story shows a determined young woman with a bright future.
Meeting Jerry Rice
The love story started in the mid-1980s. Jerry Rice was still a rising football player at Mississippi Valley State University when he met Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell. Their connection grew quickly. They dated through college years and later tied the knot on September 8, 1987. From that day, she became known as Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell Jerry Rice wife, a role that brought her into the spotlight as Jerry entered the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers.
Building a Family
During their marriage, the couple welcomed three children. Their first child, Jaqui Rice Gold, was born in 1987. She later became a successful businesswoman and co-founded the energy drink G.O.A.T. Fuel with her father. Their son, Jerry Rice Jr., was born in 1991 and tried his path in football before moving into real estate. Their youngest daughter, Jada, was born in 1996 and has worked in insurance and consulting. These children are part of the legacy that Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry built together.
The Health Crisis of 1996
One of the most dramatic events in their marriage came after the birth of Jada. Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell suffered from severe bleeding and required emergency surgery. Jerry Rice later said it was a near tragedy that almost changed his life forever. For ten days she remained in critical condition. This moment showed her strength and the commitment Jerry gave at that time to his family. It also highlighted how fragile life can be, even for people living in fame.
Life in the Spotlight
Being Jerry Rice’s ex-wife meant living under a bright spotlight. During the 1990s, Jerry’s fame was at its peak, and the family was often mentioned in magazines and interviews. While Jerry dominated football fields, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell managed the home and cared for their children. Her role was not on the football field but was just as important. She balanced motherhood, health challenges, and the stress of public attention while Jerry played for championships.
Trouble in the Marriage
Like many famous couples, the marriage faced problems. In June 2007, after 20 years together, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell filed for divorce. It was a shock to fans who had followed their story for so long. By December 2009, the divorce was finalized. Rumors suggested issues of infidelity, but the couple did not make all details public. This moment marked the end of a long chapter and left her with a private life away from the NFL limelight.
Life After Divorce
After the separation, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell stepped away from fame. She focused on raising her children and maintaining privacy. Unlike Jerry, who continued appearing on television, events, and sports shows, she chose a quieter life. Her children often share pictures and stories, but she rarely speaks in public. Many people search online for Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell net worth, but no official record gives a confirmed number. Estimates exist, but they are not supported by court papers.
Jerry Rice Remarries
While Jacqueline kept her life private, Jerry Rice moved forward. In October 2019, he married Latisha Pelayo after being together for years. This often creates confusion in searches like how old is Jerry Rice wife. If we mean Jacqueline, she was born April 4, 1964, which makes her 61 in 2025. Latisha’s exact age is not officially shared, making it hard to answer the question for Jerry’s current wife. But for who is Jerry Rice’s ex-wife, the answer will always be Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell.
Relationship with the Children
One of the most beautiful parts of the story is the bond Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell has with her children. Her daughter Jaqui often speaks about her mom with respect and shares family pictures. Jerry Jr. also stays connected with her. Despite the challenges of the divorce, the family continued to show unity. Jacqueline’s focus was always on giving her children stability, love, and the right values.
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell Today
Today, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell remains private. She does not appear on talk shows, and she does not share her personal life on social media. Unlike Jerry, who still appears in NFL events and commercials, she stays away from the cameras. People often ask about Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell net worth, but as said before, there are no verified reports. What we do know is that she remains close to her children and supports them in their careers.
Why Her Story Matters
Even though she is not as famous as Jerry, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell represents the hidden strength behind a sports legend. She was there during his early career, stood with him during family crises, and raised three children who have built their own paths. When fans look at Jerry Rice and wife, it is important to remember her role in his journey. She is part of the foundation of his story, even if she chose to step out of the spotlight.
Common Questions
Who is Jerry Rice’s ex-wife?
Jerry Rice’s ex-wife is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell, his partner from 1987 until 2009.
How old is Jerry Rice wife?
If talking about Jacqueline, she was born in 1964, which makes her 61 years old in 2025.
What is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell net worth?
Her net worth is not confirmed. Some online sources give numbers, but no legal records support them.
Was Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell Jerry Rice wife during his NFL career?
Yes. She was with him through most of his NFL career, including his three Super Bowl wins with the San Francisco 49ers.
Legacy of Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell
The story of Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is not about fame or fortune. It is about a woman who lived through the highs and lows of being married to a superstar. She gave love, strength, and support during key years. She faced health struggles, handled the stress of public life, and later chose peace after divorce. While her name is often only linked with Jerry Rice, her personal legacy is being a devoted mother and a woman of quiet resilience.
Conclusion
When people ask who is Jerry Rice’s ex-wife, the answer is more than just a name. Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell was his first wife, his partner in building a family, and a key figure in his personal life during his greatest career years. She may not speak publicly, and her net worth may not be clear, but her story is rich with strength and sacrifice. Whether you search Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell Jerry Rice wife, how old is Jerry Rice wife, or Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell net worth, the real lesson is that she was more than Jerry Rice’s partner she was a woman who shaped her own quiet path.
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