Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is best known as the ex-wife of American football wide receiver Jerry Rice, the NFL’s all-time leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
The duo met in 1985 when Jacqueline visited Mississippi Valley State University during her senior year. Despite initial disagreements, Jerry—who was the university’s star footballer— managed to charm her and convinced her to give him her phone number.
From then on, their relationship blossomed. They tied the knot on September 8, 1987, roughly two years after they started dating. They were by each other’s sides for 23 years until news came out about Jerry’s extramarital affairs.
Let’s discuss the events leading up to their meeting, the challenges they faced along the way, and what Jacqueline and Jerry are doing today.
Who Is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell? Early Life and Career
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell was born on April 4, 1964, in Starkville, Mississippi, to mother Gloria Campbell and father Coach Mitchell.
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Jacqueline excelled in both academic and extracurricular activities. She participated in various school and community activities throughout high school, including cheerleading and competing in beauty pageants. The latter earned her the title “Miss Black Greenville Teen” in 1984.
Upon graduating from high school, Jacqueline attended the University of Southern Mississippi—the same university where she would meet football receiver Jerry Rice.
How Did Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice Meet?
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice’s first meeting is the definition of ‘meet-cute.’
During her senior year in high school, Jacqueline visited Mississippi Valley State University as part of a college tour. We don’t know the exact specifics, but we do know that Jacqueline and Jerry—who was the university’s star football player at the time—ended up bickering. About what, we can only assume!
The whole thing might’ve been a big misunderstanding because, despite their arguing, Jacqueline ended up with Jerry’s number and Jerry with hers.
The very next day, Jerry called Jacqueline and asked her on a date. Jacqueline said sure, but only if their first date takes place at her house. Not one to be easily deterred, Jerry agreed.
To Jacqueline’s surprise, Jerry made an excellent first impression on her usually strict mother, Gloria. He was the picture of a gentleman; he stood up to shake Gloria’s hand, listened more than he spoke, and was polite throughout his visit.
When Did Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice Marry?
Jacqueline and Jerry tied the knot two years ago on September 8, 1987, in a private wedding. Jacqueline was 23, while Jerry was 25.
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While Jacqueline was completing her degree at Mississippi Valley State, Jerry was making a name for himself in the NFL. In the same year they got married, Jerry set the NFL record for most receiving touchdowns in a season (22) during a strike-shortened 12-game season.
Jerry would go on to win multiple Super Bowls with the 49ers and become widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver in NFL history. Jacqueline stayed by his side the entire time, cheering him on from the sidelines and accompanying him in major events. She also participated in dozens of charitable events, including the March of Dimes event in 1994.
Did Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice Have Children?
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice had three children during their marriage: Jaqui Bonet (born 1987), Jerry Jr. (born 1991), and Jada Symone (born 1996).
Jaqui Bonet and Jerry Jr.’s births came and went without any issues, but the same couldn’t be said for Jada Symone.
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After delivery, Jacqueline suffered severe hemorrhaging that led to life-threatening complications. She underwent emergency surgery but subsequently fell into a coma that lasted three months. Jerry stayed by her side the entire time, praying for her recovery.
When Jacqueline woke up, her legs were paralyzed. She had to use a wheelchair for several months until she transitioned to a walker, then crutches, and finally a cane. Her recovery was long and arduous, but she eventually regained her ability to walk through sheer determination.
Why Did Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice Divorce?
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice finalized their divorce in 2009, 22 years after they tied the knot in 1987.
Jacqueline filed for divorce in 2007 after discovering that her then-husband had an extramarital affair with a woman named Djakarta Edwards that resulted in the birth of his fourth child, Brendon Rice.
Allegedly, Jerry was briefly involved with Djakarta in 2002. Jacqueline wouldn’t have known about the relationship if it wasn’t for the paternity suit Djakarta issued in December 2005. This revelation fractured their marriage and led to their separation. The divorce was finalized in 2009, 22 years after they tied the knot in 1987.
Despite the heartbreak leading up to their separation, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice’s split was amicable. They co-parented their children, supporting them through whatever hardships they endured.
Jaqui Rice Gold, Jacqueline and Jerry’s first daughter, is the co-founder of hairstyling company Tressly, as well as G.O.A.T. Fuel. Jerry Rice Jr., meanwhile, followed in his father’s footsteps and played for the Washington Redskins as a wide receiver before transitioning to the real estate business. Jada Rice, Jacqueline’s youngest child, works as a senior insurance specialist.
What Is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell Doing Now?
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell has always been a private person, even when she was married to a well-known NFL player. As such, we have minimal information about what she’s doing right now.
What we do know is that Jacqueline is a successful entrepreneur. Among her many businesses is Pet Gear Elite, an online store that offers a variety of pet products. She also supports various organizations that take care of abused and abandoned animals.
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As for relationships, Jacqueline is currently involved with Jamaal Shad. They started dating when Jamaal was 24 and Jacqueline was 46, raising a lot of eyebrows. They continue to be together to this day, 12 years after they met.
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