Former NFL MVP Rich Gannon compares Justin Jefferson to Jerry Rice

In a recent video at the33rdteam.com, former NFL MVP Rich Gannon made favorable comparisons between Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson and the greatest receiver in history, Jerry Rice.

"Jerry Rice, even in his heyday, didn't have this top-end speed, but I think there are some comparisons with a guy like Jerry Rice," Gannon said of Jefferson.

"You can look at their body types, their athleticism when the ball is in the air and how they attack it in the air," Gannon continued. "You look at their short-area quickness, their ability to stop, pivot, adjust. I think their ability to adjust to the ball in the air, whether it's high, low or behind them [are similar]."

Gannon and Rice led the Raiders to Super Bowl XXXVII, ultimately losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was the most celebrated year of the well-traveled quarterback's career as he threw for 4,689 yards and 26 touchdowns.

Considered one of the greatest football players of all time, Rice re-wrote the record book. He remains the NFL's leader in receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895) and touchdowns (208).

Gannon said Jefferson accentuates his strengths and minimizes his weaknesses, just as Hall of Famer Rice did. Gannon also lauded Jefferson's strong hands and ability to get separation from a defender quickly.