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Early Life
Born February 24, 1974 in Chigao, Illinois. Second born in his family. Simeon was used to living on rough streets having grown up on them. He stood witness to his neighborhood of Rosedale changing in distressing ways. Gangs had moved in like the Vicelords. He always had a passion for football, more so than other sports he participated in. He started his career around 1996. -
Early Life Continued...
Simeon had always been an energenic and adventurous boy. He would do this just to test him limits. For one example when he was a stop light with his mom while they were walking, he darted across the street during a green light into traffic. Just so he could test his speed and luck. -
University Life
Simeon Rice went to the University of Illinois. Simeon Rice played outside linebacker. Doing well in post secondary helped him ensure a place in the big times. He managed to set records, like the Big Ten Conference record for most sacks. -
University of Illinois
Simeon attended the University of Illinois. He graduated in 1996. He was active in college football and still he had the passion he always did for the game. To him it was more. -
Career Beginning / Cardinals / Joe Greene
Simeon Rice started his professional football career in 1996. He was drafted into the Cardinals in 1996. Rice wasn't excited to be a Cardinal because the team was known as cheap and unfair. He was named NFL defensive rookie of the month in his first month. Rice continued to solid plays which came in handy in close games, and thats something the cardinals desperately needed. He had befriends Joe Greene who helped him keep his ego in check and offered advice. -
New Season (1997)
The new season started on a low note. He had a gained a viral infection in training camp that cost him 20 pounds and lowered his overall stamina. He could hold his own but he never regained all of his strength. He continued playing even becoming 2nd in the NFL for sacks at one point. The Cardinals stunk however and got in the habit of tacking Simeon Rice out because of his viral infection. Once his contract expired, the next team he had joined was the Tampa Bay Bucaneers -
Tampa Bay Bucaneers
The Tampa Bay Bucs, were one of the few teams that saw Simeon Rice as a gamble that was worth the trouble. Rice fit in perfectly, the Bucs regulary made the playoffs because of their defense, but had stumbled because of their lack of offense. Simeon was doing great, but with a loss against the eagles Tony Dungy -- head coach of the Bucaneers -- was fired. -
Superbowl
The Buccaneers managed to save themselves a spot in the superbowl. The bucs had dominated the raiders in the field, specifically Rice dancing around Barry Sims, his match up on left tackle. -
2003 Campaign
They entered the 2003 season with visions of a super bowl repeat dancing in their heads. As it turned out the 2003 campaign was completely different. Simeon was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat in training camp and the theme of the season was off field distractions. This caused him to sit on the sidelines for a week, even though the condition never developed into a serious issue, it did however set him off track for the 2003 season. -
Rush to Judgement - Simeon Rice
Simeon published his book in 2004 explaining his experiences in the NFL and his dreams of being a professional. The book did alright and recieved some positive reviews for his literary effort.
