When looking at the list of NFL legends from the San Francisco 49ers, there are many to choose from, but this week the spotlight is on legendary quarterback Jerry Rice. Rice is one of the greatest wide receivers not only in the history of the 49ers but in the NFL. Take a look at Rice’s career in the NFL, and what he is most remembered for.
History of Jerry Rice
The Hall of Fame receiver grew up in the state of Mississippi. Rice even attended college at Mississippi Valley State University. He played there from 1981 until 1984. According to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, Rice earned Three-time All SWAC receiver and over 1,000 yards of receptions for three consecutive years. Following his time there, he was then drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1985 NFL Draft with the 16th overall pick. This turned into one of the greatest draft selections in the history of the 49ers franchise.
NFL Career
Rice is most known for his time with the San Francisco 49ers. He spent 16 years with the team, playing in eight conference championships. With the 49ers, Rice won three Super Bowls, playing in four. The three wins were with the 49ers, while his one Super Bowl loss was while he was with the Oakland Raiders. Rice faced the Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, and the San Diego Chargers in his three wins. The Raiders lost to the Tampa Bay Buccanneers in the 2002-2003 season with the Raiders.
In Super Bowl XXII against the Cincinnati Bengals, Rice earned Super Bowl MVP for his performance. The game took place on January 22nd, 1989. The quarterback for the 49ers was none other than Joe Montana. The final score was 20-16, 49ers with the win. Rice had 11 receptions for 215 yards and one touchdown, according to Pro Football Reference. This helped earn him MVP for the game.
With the 49ers, Rice earned 19,247 receiving yards and 176 touchdowns in the regular season, according to Pro Football Reference. Rice was released from the 49ers in 2001 given his age, price, and Terrell Owens having success on the team. Despite his age, Rice was not done playing football and signed a four-year deal with the Oakland Raiders. In 2004, the Raiders traded Rice to the Seattle Seahawks, where he finished off his final season in the league.
In his career, Rice totaled 22,895 receiving yards and 197 touchdowns. Rice retired from the NFL in 2004. He played in the NFL for 20 seasons. Despite playing for two other teams, Rice is most known for his success in San Francisco.
Career Accolades
In his career, Rice led the NFL in receiving yards in six seasons. He earned first-team All-Pro in 11 consecutive seasons. He was also voted to 13 Pro Bowls. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Rice is a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Teams of the 1980s and 1990s and the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team. Rice also has earned AP Offensive Player of the Year twice in his career.
By the time Rice retired in 2004, he held numerous records in the league. At the time he was first in most touchdowns, receptions, seasons with 50 or more receptions, consecutive games with a reception, receiving touchdowns in a season, and more. A full list of records that he held at the time can be found here on the Pro Football Hall of Fame website.
Given his skills and long career, there are records that Rice still holds to this day. He still holds the record for most receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns in his career. While one day these records may be broken, Rice will always be one of the greatest wide receivers to ever play the game.
Jerry Rice was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the year 2010.
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