NFL legend Jerry Rice fights through fear of needles to partner with Red Cross, advocates for blood donations

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Jerry Rice is fighting through his fear of needles to partner with the American Red Cross to advocate for blood donations and help save lives.

The NFL legend is hoping to make a positive impact on the world with his new partnership. He told Fox News Digital in a recent interview he wants to bring awareness of the need the American Red Cross has for blood donations for those who rely on it for transfusions, sickle cell disease, car crash victims and women experiencing difficulties during childbirth.

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Jerry Rice #80, Wide Receiver for the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC West game against the Atlanta Falcons on 4 December 1994 at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California. (Mike Powell/Allsport/Getty Images)

"Every two seconds someone is in need of blood and the pandemic really hurt blood donations a lot because I think it went down 10% (since the start of the pandemic) and blood can’t be made. It’s up to us to roll up our sleeves, go out there and donate blood," Rice said. "That’s the bottom line. I’m happy to be able to have this partnership, put awareness out there. There’s a desperate need."

Rice, who spent a majority of his career with the San Francisco 49ers winning three Super Bowl championships and being named a First-Team All-Pro wide receiver 10 times, said he is not a fan of needles by any means but understands the impact of donating blood or platelets means to those in need.

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Former player of the San Francisco 49ers Jerry Rice looks on during pregame before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Nov. 28, 2021 in Santa Clara, California. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

"I was one of those guys who was always afraid of needles. This really tough guy, but you put a needle in front of me and I’m about to run in the other direction. But to be able to go ahead and withstand that to donate blood, it makes you feel good about yourself that you have done something really positive. They got people who are experts that will hold your hand. They’ll get you through that process," he said.

Jerry Rice has partnered with the American Red Cross. (American Red Cross)

He told Fox News Digital that big linebackers or defensive backs didn’t scare him as much as needles.

"I never had a problem with any player! No, that didn’t scare me at all. I remember (Steve) Atwater, (Dennis) Smith, those big safeties for the Denver Broncos, all of that. But you put a needle in front of me?" he told Fox News Digital. "But you gotta man up. It’s important for us to, like I said, you know blood can’t be made. We all have to roll up our sleeves."

Jerry Rice attends the Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

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Anyone who donates blood, platelets or plasma between now and May 19 is eligible to win a travel trailer camper from Suburban Propane, plus a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.