How Long Was Jerry Rice In The Nfl?
Jerry Rice, considered one of the best wide receivers to ever play the game, played in the NFL for 20 seasons.
Jerry Rice’s NFL Career
Jerry Rice played in the NFL for 20 seasons, from 1985 to 2004. He is widely considered to be the greatest wide receiver in NFL history. During his career, Rice amassed an incredible 1,549 receptions for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns. He was named to 13 Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1985
Jerry Lee Rice (born October 13, 1962) is a former American football wide receiver who played his entire 20-year career in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the San Francisco 49ers. He is widely considered to be the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, and frequently referred to as the greatest overall player in NFL history. He is ranked 1st all-time in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, and 2nd all-time in receptions behind Julius Thomas.
Rice was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft, and became one of their starting wide receivers as a rookie. He caught 86 passes for 1,570 yards and 15 touchdowns during his first season earned him both All-Pro honors and Rookie of the Year awards. His 10 touchdown receptions in 1986 was then an NFL record for rookies. Rice had several productive seasons with San Francisco; he led or tied for the team lead in receptions seven times between 1986 and 1996, caught at least 60 passes eleven times, 1,000 yards eight times, scored double digit touchdown totals nine times (however never more than 12 during regulation), and earned Pro Bowl invitations following each of his first 10 NFL seasons from 1986 through 1995. Upon Joe Montana’s departure after the 1992 season due to injury, Rice became the primary offensive focus of The San Francisco 49ers offense during much of quarterback Steve Young’s tenure leading to him becoming one of only two wide receivers with at least three Super Bowl wins (the other being Lynn Swann). He caught a then-record 19 passes for 283 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII. As of 2016 he holds over 100 NFL records including: receptions (1,549), touchdown receptions (), most consecutive games with a reception (), total yards ().
During his career he had at least 1,300 yards 11 consecutive seasons which is an NFL record that stands as of 2016 while also having eight additional seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards bringing his total to 19 which is also an NFL record that stands as of 2016. Not only did he have twelve 200 yard games which are tied for second place all time but he also had five 300 yard games which is tied for second place all time as well. He retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in catches (1,549) , receiving yards (22,895) , combined yards (23,546) ,and touchdowns (197). After briefly holding out from training camp following retirement before being traded to Oakland where he rejoined former Niners head coach Bill Walsh who then was coaching Oakland Raiders so that Walsh could win one more Super Bowl ring Jerry Rice eventually returned back home signing a one day contract with San Francisco on June 19th 2004 officially retiring as a member of The San Francisco 49ers where he spent 16 out his 20 years playing professional football
Won three Super Bowls with the 49ers
Jerry Rice played for 20 seasons in the NFL, establishing himself as one of the greatest players of all time. He played the majority of his career with the San Francisco 49ers, winning three Super Bowls with the team. He also spent time with the Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks, winning a Super Bowl with the latter in his final season. In total, Rice amassed 1,549 receptions for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
Spent 16 seasons with the 49ers
Jerry Rice played in the NFL for 20 seasons, spending 16 of them with the San Francisco 49ers. He is widely considered the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, and was voted to the Pro Bowl 13 times. He was also named First-Team All-Pro 10 times.
Jerry Rice’s Post-NFL Career
After an illustrious 20 year NFL career, Jerry Rice had some trouble readjusting to regular life. He didn’t know what to do with himself and felt lost without the structure and camaraderie of the NFL. In this section, we’ll take a look at what Jerry Rice has been up to since he retired from the NFL.
Spent one season with the Oakland Raiders
Rice signed with the Oakland Raiders on June 8,2001. He played in 16 games, starting 11 of them. He caught 83 passes for 1,139 yards and nine touchdowns that year, and his catch total was second on the team behind Tim Brown’s 91. He was released by the Raiders on March 4,2004.
Spent two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks
After being released by the Raiders following the 2001 season, Rice was signed by the Seattle Seahawks. In his first season with the team, he caught 83 passes for 1,139 yards and nine touchdowns, helping them reach the playoffs. The Seahawks released Rice after the 2002 season.
Jerry Rice’s Retirement
After 20 seasons in the NFL, Jerry Rice finally decided to hang up his cleats in 2005. He was 42 years old at the time. Rice had an illustrious career, setting multiple records and winning several awards. Let’s take a look at his career highlights.
Officially retired from the NFL in 2005
Rice officially retired from the NFL in 2005 after signing a one-day contract with the San Francisco 49ers, the team he played with for 16 seasons. He played a total of 20 seasons in the NFL, earning the title of “NFL’s Greatest Player” by many.
Had his jersey retired by the San Francisco 49ers in 2010
Jerry Rice, who was considered the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, played 20 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks. He retired in 2004 with an NFL-record 1,549 career catches for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns.
Rice was drafted by the 49ers in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft out of Mississippi Valley State University. He quickly became one of the most dominant players in the league, winning Rookie of the Year honors and being named to the Pro Bowl in his first season. He would go on to be named to 13 Pro Bowls and was selected as a first-team All-Pro 10 times during his illustrious career.
Rice helped lead the 49ers to three Super Bowl titles, including two as part of a dynasty team that also featured quarterback Joe Montana and head coach Bill Walsh. He was named Super Bowl MVP after catching 11 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown in San Francisco’s 38-16 win over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXIII.
After spending 16 seasons with the 49ers, Rice played for brief stints with the Raiders (2001-2004) and Seahawks (2004). He retired following the 2004 season with numerous NFL records to his credit. In 2010, the 49ers honored Rice by retiring his No. 80 jersey. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
