As the NFL grapples with yet another off-field crisis involving Kansas City Chiefs‘ Rashee Rice, one of Brett Favre‘s former protectors is pointing the finger not just at the league, but at the fans themselves. Favre’s former center, Jamie Dukes, argues the problem starts with how America worships its football heroes in the first place.

“That’s their fault,” Dukes said bluntly on the 4th and Favre podcast about fans elevating players beyond reality. “You have to put people in perspective. These are players that are humans and comprised of the same pieces that they’re comprised of. They just have a particular skill. Therefore, to look at the players beyond their human being part of it and have any other expectation, that’s just folly.”

Dukes played the game at the highest level for 10 long seasons. He understands the spotlight NFL stars get from their fans firsthand. Most players navigate the pressure and the fame without any incidents. Dukes emphasized that a majority of football players respect that responsibility and set a good example. He even drew a parallel from his own career.

“There are players such as myself and others [who have the] goal that, ‘I’m not going to embarrass my mama,’” Dukes explained. “No, I ain’t going to embarrass my dad. 99.9% of the players are good with that, and that’s the number we’ve got to stand on.”

But Dukes also pointed out that the remaining fraction sometimes creates chaos. And when their NFL narratives get tied to serious allegations, the fallout spreads beyond their families. It impacts teams, cities, and an entire league, maintaining its credibility.

Dukes’ message is simple, yet serious. Fans need to stop putting athletes on a pedestal. When society constructs mythologies around stars who can run a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, it sets everyone up for disappointment. Dukes’ demand isn’t about lowering expectations. It’s about demanding better from players, teams, and the league. No free passes. And that brings us to the Chiefs’ receiver, Rashee Rice.

Rashee Rice faces a new legal storm

Rice is reportedly facing serious allegations, which surfaced earlier this week on social media. His ex-girlfriend, Dacoda Nichole Jones, posted images showing bruises and property damage, claiming abuse spanning eight years. Jones did not name Rice directly, but implied in her post that these incidents pertained to the father of her two kids.

Following this update, the Chiefs issued a measured statement: “The club is aware of the allegations on social media and is in communication with the National Football League.” The league, in turn, has confirmed that the incident “will be reviewed under the league’s personal conduct policy.

Jones’ post even went on to include accusations of physical abuse during pregnancy. She reportedly claimed the incidents occurred in both Overland Park, Kansas, and Dallas. As per FOS, Kansas authorities did respond to a call at Rice’s place in 2024, although no report was filed at the time.

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This incident comes months after Rashee Rice faced a six-game suspension for his role in a street racing incident last year in Dallas. He pleaded guilty to two felony charges for that incident and paid a $1 million settlement to two of the victims.

NFL analysts, such as Mike Florio, suggest that Rice could face a substantial suspension as a repeat offender if the allegations against him are proven. The league’s personal conduct policy mandates a minimum of six-game bans for domestic violence violations. Prior cases involving former running back Ezekiel Elliott and wide receiver Tyreek Hill have resulted in either steep penalties from the league or strict action from their franchises.

The Chiefs have supported Rashee Rice through previous legal troubles. He has also been a key piece of their offense this season once he returned to the field. However, if these latest allegations prove to be true, his legal troubles could prompt the Chiefs to part ways with Rice. Rice still has one more year left on his 4-year deal, but the Chiefs will face a dead cap of less than $500,000 if they let him go. Now, the Chiefs must evaluate if a continued investment will be in the cards.