Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell: Life of Jerry Rice’s Ex-Wife Beyond the Spotlight

Introduction: Who Is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell?

When people think of Jerry Rice, they often picture one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. But behind his journey to football glory stood a woman who spent more than two decades by his side—Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell. While she is best known as Jerry Rice’s ex-wife, Jacqueline’s story extends far beyond her marriage to a sports legend. Her life includes resilience, personal struggles, motherhood, and the quiet strength of choosing to step away from fame. Today, many are curious about what happened to Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and how she has built her life after her divorce.

Quick Bio Information

Full Name: Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell
Date of Birth: April 4, 1964
Age: 60 years (as of 2024)
Place of Birth: Starkville, Mississippi, USA
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: African-American
Education: Greenville High School, University of Southern Mississippi
Ex-Husband: Jerry Rice (m. 1987 – div. 2009)
Children: Jaqui Bonet Rice, Jerry Rice Jr., Jada Rice
Profession: Entrepreneur
Current Status: Living privately in the United States

Early Life and Background

Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell was born on April 4, 1964, in Starkville, Mississippi. She grew up in a close-knit community and had a relatively simple upbringing. Jacqueline attended Greenville High School, where she completed her secondary education, and later enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi. It was here that she began shaping her life, balancing academics with the strong values of family and faith instilled in her from a young age. Though her future would eventually become linked with one of football’s brightest stars, Jacqueline’s early years reflected her grounded character and determination.

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Meeting Jerry Rice: A College Love Story

Jacqueline’s path crossed with Jerry Rice during her college years. At the time, Jerry was a rising football player whose talent was already turning heads. Their relationship blossomed, and they soon became inseparable. After dating for several years, the two decided to take their commitment further. In 1987, Jacqueline and Jerry Rice married, beginning a life together that would be filled with both extraordinary opportunities and difficult challenges.

Marriage to Jerry Rice: Life in the Limelight

For more than 20 years, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell was not only Jerry Rice’s partner but also his anchor. During his remarkable NFL career, she played the role of a devoted wife, often appearing with him at public events and supporting him behind the scenes. Being married to one of the most famous football players in the United States meant living much of her life in the spotlight, but Jacqueline managed to keep a sense of dignity and grace. She was a quiet strength in Jerry’s world, providing stability while he built his career and became a household name.

Family Life: Raising Three Children Together

Family was always at the center of Jacqueline’s life. Together, she and Jerry welcomed three children. Their first child, Jaqui Bonet, was born in 1987 and has since become an entrepreneur and CEO of GOAT Fuel, an energy drink company co-founded with her father. In 1991, their son Jerry Rice Jr. was born and followed his father’s footsteps into football, though his career was shorter. Their youngest child, Jada, was born in 1996, and her arrival marked both joy and tragedy for the family, as complications during childbirth nearly cost Jacqueline her life. Despite the fame surrounding their father, Jacqueline ensured her children had a sense of normalcy and a strong foundation in family values.

Health Struggles During Motherhood

The birth of her youngest child, Jada, was a turning point in Jacqueline’s life. What was expected to be a normal delivery turned into a life-threatening emergency when she experienced severe hemorrhaging. The situation became critical, and Jacqueline slipped into a coma that lasted three months. Doctors were uncertain if she would survive, but eventually, she pulled through. Her recovery, however, was long and difficult, involving challenges with breathing, walking, and daily physical activity. Jerry Rice himself described how devastating it was to watch his wife, once full of energy, struggle with basic functions. Yet Jacqueline’s determination to overcome these obstacles is one of the most powerful chapters of her life story.

The Road to Divorce: What Happened?

Despite their long marriage, Jacqueline and Jerry Rice eventually grew apart. In 2007, Jacqueline filed for divorce, and by 2009, their marriage officially ended after 22 years together. Reports suggested that Jerry’s extramarital affair with Djakarta Edwards, who later gave birth to his son Brenden Rice, played a role in the split. The divorce was widely covered in the media, not only because of Jerry’s fame but also because of the financial settlement involved. Jacqueline received a share of Jerry’s wealth rather than ongoing alimony, leaving her financially secure but ready to move forward independently.

Life After Divorce: Where Is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell Now?

Since her divorce, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell has chosen a life away from the public eye. Unlike many who continue to chase the spotlight, she has embraced privacy and has rarely spoken publicly about her past. She remains in the United States and still attends family gatherings, often appearing in posts shared by her children on social media. For example, in May 2023, her daughter Jaqui Bonet shared a heartfelt Mother’s Day video featuring Jacqueline, showing that she continues to play an active role in her family’s life. Although she may no longer be connected to the fame of her ex-husband, Jacqueline’s presence is still felt strongly within her family circle.

Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s Net Worth

Jacqueline’s exact net worth has not been made public. However, given the financial settlement from her divorce from Jerry Rice, it is believed she is worth millions. Her ex-husband, Jerry Rice, has an estimated net worth of around $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. While Jacqueline does not live a life in the media spotlight, it is clear she has the financial resources to live comfortably and focus on her personal priorities.

Relationship with Her Children Today

Although Jacqueline stepped away from public life, she has always remained close to her children. Her daughter Jaqui continues to honor her mother on social media, while Jerry Rice Jr. has also shared moments with her during family gatherings. Jacqueline’s devotion to her children has been consistent, even through health struggles and divorce. She continues to be a guiding force in their lives, offering support, love, and wisdom as they build their own paths.

Conclusion: Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s Life Beyond the Spotlight

Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s story is one of strength, sacrifice, and resilience. For over two decades, she stood beside one of football’s greatest legends, raising three children and enduring both the highs of fame and the lows of personal struggle. Her near-death experience during childbirth tested her in unimaginable ways, yet she fought back with courage. After her divorce from Jerry Rice, Jacqueline chose to leave the spotlight behind and focus on what mattered most—her family and her peace of mind. Today, she remains a private figure, admired not for the fame she once lived alongside but for the strength and dignity she carries within herself.

FAQs About Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell

Who is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell?
She is an American entrepreneur best known as the ex-wife of NFL legend Jerry Rice.

Where was Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell born?
She was born in Starkville, Mississippi, on April 4, 1964.

How many children does she have with Jerry Rice?
Jacqueline and Jerry Rice have three children: Jaqui Bonet, Jerry Rice Jr., and Jada Rice.

Why did Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice divorce?
She filed for divorce in 2007, reportedly due to Jerry’s affair with Djakarta Edwards. Their divorce was finalized in 2009.

Did Jacqueline face health issues?
Yes, she suffered life-threatening complications during the birth of her youngest child, which left her in a coma for three months.

What is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s net worth?
Her exact net worth is unknown, but she is believed to have received millions in her divorce settlement from Jerry Rice.

Where is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell now?
She lives privately in the United States and occasionally appears in family events shared by her children.