Jerheme Urban on Lessons Learned from Playing with 42-Year-Old Jerry Rice in The Athletic

In an editorial for The Athletic, “I Played With 42-Year-Old Jerry Rice in the NFL. This is the lesson I carry with me,” Jerheme Urban, former wide receiver and Trinity University’s current head football coach, reflects on his experience as a teammate of legendary receiver Jerry Rice during Rice’s final NFL season. Urban describes how Rice’s unmatched work ethic, attention to detail, and daily preparation set a standard for everyone around him. Even at age 42, Rice practiced with the same intensity as a rookie, embodying professionalism and discipline. Urban writes that the lessons he learned from Rice about consistency, humility, and dedication have continued to shape his life and coaching career long after football.

Note: The Athletic is a subscription-based sports journalism department of The New York Times. It provides national and local coverage in 47 North American cities as well as the United Kingdom.