NFL Draft 2024: Jerry Rice's son Brenden flies to Dallas to carry the coffin of Keith Miller III after his best friend's shock death at 23... as USC receiver waits to receive a call

Brenden Rice, the son of NFL legend Jerry Rice, flew to Dallas on Saturday to carry the coffin and give the obituary speech at the funeral of Keith Miller III.

Miller III, Rice's best friend and former Texas A&M-Commerce wide receiver, was found dead earlier this month. He was just 23. 

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

Miller was found near the Texas A&M-Commerce campus two weeks ago.

The football star's shocking death sparked an outpouring of grief from loved ones, former teammates and coaches, as well as the Dallas community.

Rice, whose dad Jerry had a Hall of Fame NFL career, was an ex-teammate of Miller at Colorado. 

Both began their college careers in Boulder before transferring to Texas A&M Commerce and USC, respectively.

'I love you Brotha,' the younger 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.'

In another post featuring a picture of Miller and a young boy, Rice wrote: 'Luka gone be straight I got him.'

Miller's girlfriend, Caila Jae, claimed 'Keith was mentally battling something that not me or even his mom could help him with.'

Shortly after the news of Miller's death surfaced, a fundraiser was launched with all funds 'going to funeral cost, family support, and directly to his young son.' 

Rice is hoping to be drafted this weekend, believing he and Caleb Williams can emulate Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski if they are both selected by the Chicago Bears.

Former USC quarterback Williams was the first overall pick, having enjoyed a promising relationship with Rice on the Trojans.

'I'm telling you, we could take it. We could be that next duo - just like Gronk and Tom Brady,' Rice told TMZ.