Jerry Rice retires from football

AP ^ | 9/5/5 | EDDIE PELLS

[SmithL]

DENVER -- Unwilling to be a bit player with the Broncos, Jerry Rice retired Monday, closing a 20-year career for the most productive receiver in NFL history.

Rice, 42, made his decision over the weekend at home in San Francisco, then returned to Broncos headquarters and met with coach Mike Shanahan. He played 20 NFL seasons.

"This is a happy day," he said. "I think the tears that you see basically is that I have really enjoyed this ride."

Shanahan confirmed what Rice already knew — that he would be a fourth or fifth receiver, at best this season — and Rice confirmed what many figured — that he would rather call it quits than be a bit player with the Broncos.

Rice signed with Denver over the summer, reuniting with Shanahan, who was his offensive coordinator in the 1990s in San Francisco. For Rice, the idea was to play for a coach who was familiar with him and for a team that could help him go out a winner.

[End Times Sentinel]

You had a good run Jerry and you were truly a pleasure to watch because of your God Given Skills and your endless dedication.

These past couple of years, your skills had erroded and you weren't the player of years past. Thank you for hanging it up now and not poisoning the memory we'll all have of you by attempting to continue as a shell.

[beyond the sea]

Solid fellow.........

[docman57]

J.R., you are a class act, and were a joy to watch. Truly the greastest WR to ever grace the field. Have a great retirement!

[jdm]

I remember when I opened a pack of Topps football cards in '86 and got his rookie card. (I was in 6th grade). Still have it somewhere, along with about 27 Al Toon's (I swear that guy's card was in EVERY pack!).

[19th LA Inf]

I saw Jerry play his last college game, Mississippi Valley vs. Louisiana Tech, in the 1AA playoffs in 1984. MV had averaged 60 points a game against minor opposition. I felt that Tech would have only a fighting chance, but couldn't stand to miss the game. I found myself the only white face among a crowd of MV fans in my area, the game being played in the Tech stadium. I had heard a little about Rice, and when he walked by I asked "Is that Jerry Rice?" My neighbor said "We call him MISTER Rice!"

As it turned out, I was embarassed for the surrounding MV fans. The Valley offense consisted of QB Willie Totten surrounded by five water-buffalo sized linemen, and receivers all over the field like a covey of quail. Tech won 66-19, the losers accumulated 708 yards offense, and several other NCAA records for deeds and misdeeds were set. I don't even remember Rice's stats. But I don't think that hurt Mr. Rice's career too much, did it?