Matthew Rice

Rice began having seizures in August 2007. CAT scans and MRIs identified a tumor on the right frontal lobe of his brain—ironically, the section from which artistic abilities are derived. The tumor was determined to be benign, but surgery became necessary following a second seizure.

Rice signed as a free agent with the Buffalo Bills shortly after the 2006 NFL draft. He was released from the team June 9, 2006, and signed with the St. Louis Rams 2 weeks later [1], only to be released despite a productive preseason. He worked out for several teams during the 2006 season, and was eventually signed mid-season by the New York Giants. The start of the 2007 preseason found Rice with the Detroit Lions organization, allocated to the Rhein Fire of NFL Europa.[2]

Between workouts as out as a possible 2006 mid-season replacement for the Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Giants, Rice concentrated on establishing a new business, Mateo Blu. The company publishes limited-edition art prints with proceeds going to charitable causes.[3]

The 6'4", 256-pound Rice was a three-year starter and a second team All-Big Ten selection at Penn State. He helped the Nittany Lions rank as the conference's top defense in 2005, and made 9 sacks and 147 tackles. He was chosen to play in the 2006 Hula Bowl. An accomplished painter and illustrator, Rice earned dual degrees from Penn State University in 2005: a Bachelor of Arts in integrative arts, along with a Bachelor of Arts in African-American studies.

Matthew Nathaniel Rice (born February 12, 1982) is a former American football defensive end. He played collegiately at Penn State University and attended Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Maryland.