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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is no stranger to pain. After suffering a devastating knee injury in Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season, the rising star has been fighting his way back to full strength. But while the torn ligaments and surgery were expected hurdles, nothing could prepare him for the one thing he truly dreads—ice baths.
A recent viral clip from his rehab sessions shows Rice wincing, shivering, and looking absolutely miserable as he lowers himself into the frigid water. Fans couldn’t get enough of his reaction, with many joking that he looked more terrified of the cold than of facing an NFL defense. But behind the laughs, Rice’s recovery is serious business, and he’s willing to endure the discomfort if it means getting back to his team in time for the 2025 season.
The Injury That Changed Everything
Rice’s injury came in a brutal moment during a matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Following an interception, he found himself caught in an awkward collision that hyperextended his knee. At first, it looked like a season-ending ACL tear, a worst-case scenario that could have kept him out well into the 2025 season.
Fortunately, further medical evaluations revealed slightly better news—Rice had sustained significant damage to his lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and hamstring tendon, but his ACL remained intact. The injury was still serious, requiring surgery and a long recovery, but it wasn’t the career-threatening disaster many had feared.
The Grueling Road to Recovery
As soon as surgery was completed, Rice jumped into an aggressive rehab program designed to get him back on the field as quickly as possible. The Chiefs’ medical team put him through a mix of aquatic therapy, resistance training, and controlled movement drills to rebuild strength and mobility in his knee.
But the most dreaded part of his routine? The ice baths.
Cryotherapy is a well-known recovery method among athletes, used to reduce inflammation and speed up muscle healing. Some NFL players swear by it, while others merely tolerate it. Rice? He outright hates it.
The viral clip from his rehab session showed the 24-year-old receiver visibly struggling as he lowered himself into the freezing water, his facial expression screaming pure agony. Fans quickly jumped on the moment, with some commenting that he looked like he’d rather be tackled by a 300-pound lineman than spend another second in the ice bath.
Pushing Through the Pain
Despite his visible suffering, Rice remains fully committed to his rehab. He knows that every painful session, every grueling exercise, and yes, even every ice bath is a necessary step toward getting back on the field.
“I hate this, but I gotta do it,” Rice admitted in a recent interview. “Whatever it takes to be ready for next season.”
And that’s exactly what Chiefs fans want to hear. With the 2025 NFL season fast approaching, Rice’s progress is being closely monitored. The Chiefs’ coaching staff is optimistic that he’ll be ready to reclaim his spot as one of Patrick Mahomes’ go-to targets.
What’s Next for Rice and the Chiefs?
Rice continues to update fans on his recovery, sharing snippets of his workouts and therapy sessions on social media. While the ice baths may be his least favorite part of the process, he knows they’re crucial in his journey back to full strength.
As the Chiefs gear up for the 2025 season, the team is counting on Rice to make a strong comeback. With his determination and work ethic, there’s little doubt he’ll be ready to make an impact when he finally steps back onto the field.
One thing’s for sure—no matter how much he hates ice baths, Rice is willing to endure them if it means getting back to doing what he loves. Chiefs Kingdom is eagerly waiting, and if his rehab progress is any indication, they won’t be disappointed.
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