Jerry Rice is considered one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. He was born on October 13, 1962, in Starkville, Mississippi. After a successful college career at Mississippi Valley State University, Jerry was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft. He would go on to play 20 seasons in the NFL, mostly with the 49ers and the Oakland Raiders. Jerry retired from football in 2004 after setting numerous records.
Early Life
Jerry Rice was born into a poor family in Starkville, Mississippi. His father worked as a brick mason and his mother was a schoolteacher. As a child, Jerry had to help his father with work when he wasn't in school. When Jerry was just five years old his parents got divorced. He and his three siblings were raised by their mother.
Jerry began playing football in junior high school. He quickly became one of the best players on his team. When he was in high school, Jerry was recruited by several colleges to play football. He ultimately chose to attend Mississippi Valley State University.
College Career
Jerry had a very successful college career. He was a two-time All-American and helped lead his team to the 1982 National Championship game. In his junior year, Jerry set the NCAA record for most receptions in a season. After his senior year, he was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft.
Personal Life
Jerry is married to his high school sweetheart, Jacqueline. The couple has three children together. Jerry is also a grandfather. In 2007, Jerry and Jacqueline filed for divorce, which was finalized in 2009. Ten years later, he remarried Latisha Pelayo.
Jerry has authored two books, Go Long: My Journey Beyond the Game and Stand Tall: My Life Story. He is also a motivational speaker.
NFL Career
Jerry Rice had a very successful NFL career. He was selected to thirteen Pro Bowls and named First-Team All-Pro ten times. He is the NFL's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions. He helped lead the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl titles. Jerry also played for the Oakland Raiders and won a Super Bowl with them in 2002. He retired from football in 2004.
Awards and Records
Jerry Rice is a three-time Super Bowl champion. He was named the Super Bowl MVP in 1989. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. He was picked as the number one NFL player of all time by NFL Network's "The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players" in 2010.
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Interesting Facts About Jerry Rice
Now that you know some history about the personal and career life of Jerry Rice, we can take a look at some interesting facts about this legend.
- In high school, Jerry once ran away from the principal after being caught smoking cigarettes. When the principal discovered his speed, he asked to coach to place him on the team as a wide receiver.
- Jerry's first job was working at a local grocery store. He would often have to work after football practice and on weekends.
- During his college career, Jerry was also a member of the track team. He ran the 400-meter dash and was a member of the 4x100 meter relay team.
- Jerry is left-handed but throws with his right hand.
- Jerry's nickname is "World" because he could do it all on the football field.
- In retirement, Jerry appeared in several television commercials, including one for soup and another for erectile dysfunction medication.
- Jerry has also been involved in philanthropy. He has worked with the United Way and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
- In 1999 Mississippi State renamed its football stadium after Jerry.
- In 2010, a street in his hometown of Crawford, Mississippi was also renamed in his honor.
Jerry Rice is a legendary football player who has set numerous records and won numerous awards. He is also a husband, father, grandfather, and author. Jerry has had an amazing career and continues to be an inspiration to many.
Final Thoughts
Jerry Rice is quite an inspiration even after his retirement from professional football. He is one of the game's all-time greats and his records may never be broken. Jerry is also a family man and philanthropist. If you are ever feeling down, remember that Jerry started out working at a grocery store, and look how far he has come!
Most of the books that he has authored are about his journey in the football world and how he has made it to the top. They are all worth reading, but Go Long: My Journey Beyond the Game is a great place to start. You can also find some of his speeches online which are very motivational.
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