Rashee Rice is leaving the ‘past in the past’

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receiver Rashee Rice spoke to the media for the first time since he was released from jail on June 16.

Rice spent 30 days in jail after he violated his probation. Rice said he is ready to move forward and focus on the future.

"It was a learning experience and a reality check," said Rice. "I'm not focusing on the past and just focusing on what's going on now."

While Rice was in jail, he was also rehabbing from right knee surgery. Before his surgery, he didn't see his knee as a big issue.

"I just thought it was probably just a little bit of swelling," said Rice. "I didn't know it was something that needed to have surgery. It was the perfect time for me to get it cleaned up so it wouldn't affect me for this season."

Rice is set to be a free agent after the 2026 season. He sees this season as a chance to set himself up for the future.

"It's motivating," said Rice. "It's motivating just being back on the field with my brothers. I'm just focused on the right now and getting better for my team."

The Kansas City Chiefs will play their first game at Arrowhead Stadium at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15 against the Los Angeles Rams.