Jerry Rice is undoubtedly the greatest wide receiver in NFL history. Not only does he hold all sorts of records, he was also the catalyst to the great 49 ers offense of the 80s as well as one of the hardest workers in football. His status as the best ever is in the eyes of many pretty much untouchable.

Born in 1962 in Crawford, Mississippi , he developed his extraordinary hands while working for his father, who was a mason. When he got to Moor High School he already had his mind on football. Rice had skipped school one day and when discovered by the principal started running. The principal called him into the office the next day to punish him as well as recommend the football team! thus the legend was born...

He was a star defensive back in high school but did not get much attention from colleges. Mississippi Valley State University was the only school that sent a coach to visit with Rice, and so that is where he signed. His nickname there would be "World" because he was considered a man who could catch anything. He set all sorts of records while at school including marks for receptions and all time receiving yards.

These records attracted the attention of scouts but it was his forty speed that pushed them back away. He reportedly ran an astoundingly slow 4.7 in the 40! For comparison, Randy Moss runs a 4.3 in the 40 and a running back who runs a 4.6 in the 40 is considered average speed at best. Despite this he was chosen 16th overall by the champion 49 ers , who traded up from their last pick of the round just to get him.

His rookie year he took the NFL by storm and never looked back. He would go on to play in 13 Pro Bowls in his 21 seasons. He won three rings with the 49 ers and played with numerous other teams before signing with the 49 ers in 2006 so he could retire with the right jersey on.

Rice goes to show there is ore to the NFL than numbers. His will to win, work ethic and clutch mentality all helped elevate him far above his physical abilities. He is undoubtedly the bets route runner of all time and this helps explain why he lasted as long as he did in the harsh world of the NFL. Truly the all time best.

Learn more about this author, Royce Radcliffe.
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