Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell's Brush with Death Altered Her & Jerry Rice's Life

Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell spent three months in a coma after welcoming her third child. Throughout the challenging period, her ex-husband stood by her.

NFL legend Jerry Rice and his ex-wife, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell, lived a beautiful life raising their two kids before their lives took a different turn when they welcomed their third child.

Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell's previous pregnancies and deliveries were smooth, and even when she delivered their child, Jada, the baby arrived safely and healthy. Complications arose after Jada's arrival when she began losing a lot of blood.

At this point, Mitchell was required to go for surgery to stop the hemorrhaging. Michell's ex-husband thought it was a minor surgery, only to realize things were serious when she entered the theatre room from 9:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell Was in a Coma for Three Months

While the doctors and nurses didn't inform Mitchell's now ex-husband how close she was to losing her life, he figured it out when he saw the medics running around trying to save her. Mitchell ended up in a coma for three months, and throughout this challenging ordeal, Rice remained a constant presence by her side.

During an interview, the former NFL wide receiver opened up about the experience and how he nearly lost the mother of his children. Rice described how he stayed at the hospital, even having a room upstairs, and closely monitoring Mitchell. Since he was always around her, he could tell when she was showing signs of improvement or not.

Despite going their separate ways, the exes have remained friends.

When Mitchell woke up from the coma, Rice was the first person she saw. The football star recalled her smile lighting up the room. Reflecting on the challenging journey, he said the experience taught him the importance of valuing family above all.

Jerry Rice's Ex-wife Met Him While in Her Teens

Mitchell and Rice met in 1985. She was 17 and a high school senior, and he was a college student at Mississippi Valley State University. Rice, who was 22 then, was already famous, and people considered him the best wide receiver.

Mitchell recalled asking Rice for an autograph, and he wrote her a sweet note, calling her a beautiful lady and suggesting he wanted to meet her. The two would later begin dating, and after three years, they tied the knot in September 1987.

Jerry Rice's ex-wife attended the University of Southern Mississippi. She showcased her love for sports by participating in several athletic activities. Besides that, Mitchell also participated in several beauty pageant competitions, including winning Miss Black Greenville Teen in 1984.

Mitchell and Rice divorced after being married for 23 years. Despite going their separate ways, the exes have remained friends. Mitchell said that while they are no longer a couple, they remain a team focused on positively impacting their children.

Rice found love again and married Latisha Pelayo after being together for over ten years. The two exchanged vows in 2019 in a colorful wedding ceremony held at the Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley. Rice remains a celebrated athlete in the NFL's history even after retiring. Other NFL stars who are widely recognized include Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, among others.