Jerry Rice
Drafted 16th overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 1985 from tiny Mississippi Valley State, Rice broke out in 1986, leading the league in receiving. He cemented his stardom in 1987, setting an NFL record with 22 receiving touchdowns in a strike-shortened season and winning Offensive Player of the Year. He went on to become the greatest wide receiver in NFL history.
Mississippi Beginnings
Born in Starkville, Mississippi, Rice played at small Mississippi Valley State, where he shattered college receiving records. The 49ers traded up to draft him 16th overall in 1985.
Montana, Young, and Greatness
Paired with quarterbacks Joe Montana and Steve Young, Rice anchored the 49ers' dynasty. His relentless work ethic and conditioning set the standard for the position.
The Greatest Ever
Over 20 seasons Rice rewrote the record books, retiring as the NFL's all-time leader in nearly every major receiving category. He entered the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2010.
Career Timeline
- 1962Born in Starkville, Mississippi
- 1985Drafted 16th overall by San Francisco 49ers
- 1986Leads NFL in receiving yards and touchdowns
- 1987Sets record with 22 TD catches in 12 games
- 1989Named MVP of Super Bowl XXIII
- 1990Wins second Super Bowl with the 49ers
- 1995Wins third Super Bowl ring (XXIX)
- 2001Joins Oakland Raiders after 16 49ers seasons
- 2005Retires as NFL's all-time receiving leader
- 2010Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame
Biggest Hits
- Rice credited his soft hands to childhood summers catching bricks tossed by his bricklayer father.
- His records for career receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns remain untouched and may never be broken.
Portrait: Uncredited · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons