NFL Draft Hopeful Brenden Rice Faces Heartbreak Before Big Day

NCAA Football: Southern California at Arizona State
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

On what should be one of Brenden Rice’s best days of his life, will be spent mourning the loss of a beloved friend. Rice lost his best friend on April 20th, 2024. The former USC wide receiver flew to Dallas on Saturday to carry the coffin and give the obituary speech at the funeral of Keith Miller III.

Brenden Rice Gieving While NFL Dream Looms

‘I love you Brotha,’ Rice wrote on Instagram. He also appeared to say he would take care of Miller’s son, adding: ‘On Everything I love yo (sic) son will be taken care of.’

Rice is referring to Miller’s young child. In another IG post, Rice wrote of Miller’s son, ‘Luka gone be straight I got him.’

Both began their college careers in Colorado before each transferred. Miller to Texas A&M Commerce and Rice to USC.

According to NFL Network, USC star Rice boarded a flight to Texas for the funeral but will answer the call whenever it comes.

NCAA Football: Nevada at Southern California Brenden Rice
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports