RICE, JERRY

born Oct. 13, 1962, Starkville, Miss., U.S. Rice scoring his 125th career touchdown, Sept. 5, 1994 in full Jerry Lee Rice African-American professional football player who was considered by many to be the greatest wide receiver in the history of the National Football League (NFL). Playing for the San Francisco 49ers, he set a host of NFL records, including those for career touchdowns, receptions, and reception yardage. The son of a brick mason, Rice developed strong, reliable hands catching bricks that his brothers threw him while working for his father. He attended Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Miss., on a football scholarship. There he earned All-America honours and set 18 records in Division I-AA of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, including most catches in a single game (24). Rice was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 1985 NFL draft. He initially struggled to hold on to the ball as he concentrated on the intricate pass patterns of the San Francisco offense. During his second year he hit his stride, catching 86 passes and leading the league in reception yardage (1,570) and touchdown receptions (15). He set a single season record for touchdown receptions (22) in 1987 and was named the NFL Player of the Year. Standing 6 feet 2 inches (1.9 m), Rice was larger than the typical NFL wideout, and he used his size and strength to overmatch defenders; he was also an exceptional runner. Rice played on three Super Bowl Championship teams with the 49ers (1988, 1989, and 1994). He was named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXIII (1988), and he set numerous Super Bowl records, including most career points. Rice was named to the annual Pro Bowl from 1986.