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49ers Legend Jerry Rice Issues Apology After Loss to Seahawks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 18, 2026 6:02 AM ET

NFL legend Jerry Rice was one of the millions of football fans around the world who tuned in for Saturday night’s divisional round matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. Rice, along with the rest of the Niners faithful, witnessed their team come up way short in a lopsided affair. The Seahawks dominated Saturday’s game, en route to a 41-6 blowout win.

Rice won three Super Bowls with the 49ers during his iconic 16-year career with the franchise. In 1995, the 10-time All-Pro first-team wide receiver helped lead San Francisco to its third championship in seven years.

It was also in the 1994 season that the 49ers last brought home the Vince Lombardi trophy. Their drought will extend to 32 years after Saturday’s loss.

NFL legend Jerry Rice before the celebrity game ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game.© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The stars did not shine on Saturday for the 49ers. Quarterback Brock Purdy finished with 15-of-27 completed passes for 140 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception, adding 37 yards on the ground.

Christian McCaffrey, who sustained a shoulder injury in the first half, logged 35 rushing yards on 11 carries, along with 39 receiving yards on five catches. Kyle Juszczyk was quiet with just 11 receiving yards on one catch.

Rice, who currently holds the position of honorary chairman of the San Francisco 49ers Foundation, took to social media shortly after the final whistle. The Hall of Fame wideout shared his immediate reaction to the loss.

“We didn’t show up against the Seahawks! No excuses sorry faithfuls!” Rice posted on Instagram, sharing a selfie of himself in 49ers gear.

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Rice sent an apology to all the heartbroken 49ers fans on behalf of the team. It’s the end of the line for the Niners, who can hold their heads up high after a memorable campaign.

Despite the myriad of injuries they had to deal with throughout the season, the 49ers still finished the regular-season campaign with a 12-5 record. They entered the playoffs as the No. 6 seed in the NFC. The 49ers defeated the defending champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, in the wild card round, 23-19.

Rice played for the 49ers between 1985 and 2001. He has 19,247 receiving yards under his belt, along with 186 total touchdowns. Rice holds multiple franchise and NFL records, including career receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895), receiving touchdowns (197), total touchdowns (208) and yards from scrimmage (23,540).

Apart from his major role with the 49ers Foundation, Rice has also remained active within the organization. He recently served as a guest game day photographer for the team in their Week 18 game against the Seahawks at Levi's Stadium.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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