Jerry Rice

Jerry Rice during a game

Seconds flashing between your eyes and the excitement and adrenaline in the moments that you will never forget. Even in the bad moments, Rice inspired his teammates through the fear, frustration and anger in his heart. Over the years Rice never gave up. When he first got drafted onto the San Francisco 49ers, he did not do so well. The coaches were disappointed in him and were ready to throw him off the team. Rice needed to change something that wasn’t right and if he didn’t his career would be over.

Jerry Rice was born on October 13, 1964. He grew up in Crawford Mississippi with his dad, Joe Nathan and his mom, Jacqui Bonet. When his dad had a lot of work, Rice helped by carrying bricks and mortar. "I always did have good work habits," Rice told Newsday. "I guess it's from my parents. I take a lot of pride in everything and try to be the best in what I'm doing. Every time I step on the football field, it's not like a job to me; I really enjoy it. Working with my father taught me the necessity of hard work. On my mother's side, I'm a caring person. I guess that's why I've been successful" ("Jerry Rice"). During high school, Jerry found his interest in football when a coach told him to practice with the team one day. By doing so, he learned that he loved the game and made the team. Later on, after college, he got drafted in 1985 by the San Francisco 49ers. He was now officially in the NFL and heading for his dream to become a star. But unfortunately he wasn’t so good his first year on the team. His coach was about to trade him and his dream would be shattered. Rice needed to do something to show his coach that he could improve.

Jerry Rice talking

In his second season with the 49ers his coach gave him one more shot to impress him. At the end of the season, Rice caught 86 passes, led the NFL with a record breaking 1,570 yards, and scored 15 touchdowns total. Out of nowhere Rice improved dramatically and the coach easily changed his mind about trading him. Jerry’s following season, he got invited to his first Pro Bowl which is a game where all “the best pros” play. In 1987 he set two NFL records, receiving the most touchdowns in a single season (22), and consecutive touchdown catches in games (13). He also won Most Valuable Player also that season. Jerry scored 137 points. That was a team record for the 49ers. Unfortunately, Jerry’s season ended in disappointment, they lost their first playoff game to the Minnesota Vikings 36 to 24. "I don't think about how many touchdowns I scored," he told the San Jose Mercury News. "I don't think about the yardage. I guess a lot of people sit down and look at stats. But not me, I just want to go to the Super Bowl" ("Jerry Rice"). Jerry Rice finally completed his goal, which was going to the super bowl in 1988. They faced the Cincinnati Bengals and won, 20 to 16. John Taylor scored the last-minute winning touchdown pass. That was a play set up by Rice’s 12th catch which was 27 yards the play before. During the game he managed to ignore his injured ankle.

This was one of the 49ers' best comebacks. All of Jerry’s teammates saw that they could dominate with Rice as their receiver. Once again Rice had a great season along with his teammates and took it to the super bowl in 1990 playing the Denver Broncos ("Jerry Rice”). During the off season, Rice spent the time with his family and children in Crawford. He built a home for his parents to stay because of how caring and respectful he was. After his famous road to victory with the San Francisco 49ers, he became known as the best wide receiver in the NFL. In total, Rice has made 19,247 receiving yards being with the 49ers.

Unfortunately Rice signed to the Oakland Raiders in 2001, leaving the San Francisco 49ers with their best season in history at the age of 38. When he left the 49ers he left behind 14 NFL records along with his hardworking teammates that enjoyed playing with him. After 3 years of playing with the Raiders, he got traded to the Seattle Seahawks. Only one year he played with the Seahawks, he retired in 2005 ("Jerry Rice").Rice accomplished his biggest dream, from helping his dad carry bricks for work, to becoming one of the most famous NFL wide receivers. Completing his career, he caught a record-breaking 127 touchdown catches, a league-leading 1,848 yards, and 942 passes. All of his hard work added up to his name imprinted in the Hall of Fame. Rice has become a hero, inspiring millions of football players and people to recognize the ability and strength he put into his dream.