Washington signs undrafted Jerry Rice Jr. to NFL contract

A college receiver with a career total of 20 catches and 155 yards between two schools has signed with an NFL team. Apparently, Washington's front office trusts in bloodlines.

Jerry Rice Jr., the son of perhaps the greatest player in NFL history, signed with Washington. He announced it himself on Instagram.

Was Rice signed because of who his father is? Maybe. But the beauty of the NFL is it doesn't matter. If he can play, he'll make the team. If he can't, he will get cut.

Rice started his career with UCLA, didn't make much of an impact, then transferred to UNLV. He had just 11 catches and 86 yards for the Rebels last season but did finish his college career in style, with a 13-yard touchdown in UNLV's bowl game.

That was enough to get him some tryouts after he wasn't drafted, including with his dad's old team, the 49ers. Washington apparently saw some ability that supercedes college production, because Rice is getting his shot with that team.

Given Jerry Rice Sr.'s work habits, one would assume Jerry Rice Jr. will be very well prepared for his opportunity when he reports to training camp.

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Frank Schwab

is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdowncorner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @YahooSchwab