Jerry Rice‘s brand is being the GOAT. His brand name is a play on him being widely considered the greatest wide receiver of all time. He is now in the hydration business as the founder of G.O.A.T. Fuel.
But when it comes to students, Rice believes the newest GOAT is Chanelle Houston, a FedEx student ambassador studying at Rice’s former HBCU, Mississippi Valley State University.
“Chanelle, you are the GOAT,” Rice said. “A degree in engineering technology. Business administration. She’s doing it all. I don’t use that word lightly, but to me, it’s not just for athletes. Anyone who aspires to be great on a given day, you’re a GOAT.”
Houston spoke to rolling out after bringing the Lombardi trophy to the fan experience in Las Vegas at Super Bowl LVIII.
What was it like bringing the Lombardi trophy in here today with Jerry Rice?
That experience was a blessing.
It was so unreal that I would even be in this predicament, or this situation, and have this experience I had today; it was amazing.
Jerry Rice called you the GOAT today. What was that like, and what has school been like for you?
When someone like a legend calls you a GOAT, it makes me feel that I’m doing what I’m supposed to do in school.
I’m still an undergrad at Mississippi Valley State for both degrees. [It has] been really good. It’s been a great opportunity to be recognized academically, and it made me feel great.
What do you like most about attending an HBCU?
What I like the most about it is the experience, and the band is phenomenal. I love my Mean Green Marching Machine. I love that everyone is just my color and that we can all click. It’s just a great opportunity and a great atmosphere to be a part of.
What has FedEx done to support you?
FedEx does a lot for HBCUs. My HBCU has a FedEx logistics program on campus, where students get to work part-time while they’re in school.
Then, I also have the opportunity to work full-time for FedEx after I graduate and also do a lot of career expo days. We just had one last week that was very [informative]…a lot of students can meet their leadership staff and connect with them on a broader level.
Just like my program, the student ambassador program does a lot by selecting students and giving us the opportunities and the necessities that we need to be better in the workforce.”
Why did you pick Mississippi Valley State?
I was on a track scholarship to Mississippi Valley State, and I’m on an academic scholarship, as well. Of course, you don’t want to come out of pocket. So, momma said we were going where that money was. So that’s how I got to Valley.
Where are you from?
I’m from Houston, Texas.
What has the transition from Houston to Itta Bena been like?
It wasn’t too bad.
I liked the country feel. The only thing is, I’m a big eater, and there are not many places to eat, but other than that, I love that it’s super slow. I could focus on my school and the atmosphere of the campus. I just love that it’s super slow.
What advice do you have for high school upperclassmen?
I was close to my high school counselor, and I was in her office pretty much every day. Just discussing what scholarships did for me or what scholarship didn’t require a lot of essays because I’m not a big writer.
I applied [for] a lot of scholarships that I could apply for. Do not be afraid to connect and network with people because you just never know who will give you the opportunity or connect you with the opportunity to give you a scholarship in the future.
What message do you have for student-athletes?
You never know where your athletic career is going to go, so you always need a backup plan.
I was a track runner, and I knew I didn’t want to see myself just running. That wasn’t my passion, but a lot of people need a backup plan because what happens if you tore your ACL?
