Former NFL Player Rashee Rice Ordered to Pay $3 Million in Crash Lawsuit

Rice's former college teammate found 'grossly negligent' in 2024 high-speed crash that injured a woman

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:18pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield, capturing the dramatic texture and material details under harsh, direct lighting, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a serious car accident.The aftermath of a high-speed crash exposes the harsh realities of reckless driving and the legal battles that can ensue.Dallas Today

Former NFL player Rashee Rice has been ordered to pay $3 million in a lawsuit stemming from a 2024 high-speed car crash in Dallas that left a woman injured. Rice's college teammate, Theodore Knox, was found 'grossly negligent' by a Texas judge and ordered to pay the majority of the damages to the victim, Kathryn Kuykendall.

Why it matters

The case highlights the legal and financial consequences professional athletes can face for their actions off the field, even years after an incident occurred. The large monetary judgment against Rice's former teammate also underscores the severity of the crash and the long-term impact on the victim.

The details

In 2024, Rice and Knox were involved in a six-vehicle crash on a central highway in Dallas after allegedly street racing. Rice pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges and was sentenced to 30 days in prison and five years of probation. Kuykendall, who was injured in the crash, filed three lawsuits totaling $10 million against the two men. On Wednesday, a Texas judge ordered Knox to pay Kuykendall $2.88 million in punitive damages, medical expenses, lost earnings, and non-economic damages, finding him 'grossly negligent' in the incident. Rice also faced NFL discipline, receiving a six-game suspension ahead of the 2025 season.

  • The crash occurred in 2024.
  • Rice was sentenced in 2024.
  • The judge ordered Knox to pay $2.88 million on Wednesday.

The players

Rashee Rice

A former NFL player who was involved in the 2024 high-speed crash in Dallas.

Theodore Knox

Rashee Rice's former college teammate who was found 'grossly negligent' and ordered to pay $2.88 million in damages related to the 2024 crash.

Kathryn Kuykendall

The woman who was injured in the 2024 crash and filed lawsuits totaling $10 million against Rice and Knox.

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What’s next

The NFL has not commented on whether Rice will face any additional discipline following the latest developments in the legal case.

The takeaway

This case underscores the serious legal and financial consequences professional athletes can face for their actions off the field, even years after an incident occurred. It also highlights the long-term impact on victims of high-speed crashes and the need for accountability from those involved.