San Francisco 49ers retire Jerry Rice’s jersey
During a half-time ceremony on Monday night, the San Francisco 49ers retired Jerry Rice’s jersey. After a brilliant career, Rice’s No. 80 joins the other great players from the 49ers in
the upper deck at Candlestick Park.
"It doesn't get any better than this," Rice said. "This brings closure to everything. This is where it started, this is where it ends."
Rice played 21 seasons in the National Football League including his first 16 with San Francisco from 1985-2000.
"When you get something like that, it's not an individual thing," Rice said. "It's about all the players and coaches beside me that made it happen."
Among the notables celebrating the night with Rice were former quarterbacks and fellow Hall of Famers Joe Montana and Steve Young, who both enjoyed tremendous success with Rice. Other
49ers greats Ronnie Lott, Roger Craig, and Dwight Clark were also in attendance along with former coaches George Seifert and Steve Mariucci. Craig Walsh, the son of former late coach Bill Walsh, also took part in the ceremonies.
"It means everything to me because I had so many great moments in this stadium," Rice said. "It's the pinnacle for me because I get to say goodbye to the fans."
For almost the entire game, fans were chanting "Jerry! Jerry!". Serving as an honorary team captain for the game, Rice was presented with his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring. For his outstanding
achievements and contributions to the 49ers organization, Rice was also inducted into the Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame.
Arguably the greatest wide receiver off all time, Rice continues to hold onto most of the NFL’s receiving records. During his 21-year career with the 49ers, Oakland Raiders and Seattle
Seahawks, Rice holds the record for most career receptions with 1549 and most receiving yards with 22,895. He also owns the record for total touchdowns with 208 and most combined yards with 23,546.
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