Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jerry Rice

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jerry Rice made an impact.

Jerry Rice, a retired American football wide receiver, is widely considered the greatest ever in his position and one of the NFL's all-time best. Over a 20-year career, primarily with the San Francisco 49ers, he won three Super Bowls. His Pro Football Hall of Fame biography highlights his unmatched career totals. Rice's legacy is cemented by numerous records and accolades, including being named the greatest NFL player by NFL Films' 'The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players' in 2010.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1981: Freshman Season at Mississippi Valley State

In 1981, during Jerry Rice's freshman season at Mississippi Valley State, he recorded 30 receptions for 428 yards and two touchdowns.

1982: First Season with Willie Totten

In 1982, Jerry Rice played his first season with freshman quarterback Willie Totten at Mississippi Valley State, leading to them becoming known as "The Satellite Express". Rice caught 66 passes for 1,133 yards and seven touchdowns.

1983: Record-Setting Campaign

In 1983, Jerry Rice had a record-setting campaign, including NCAA marks for receptions (102) and receiving yards (1,450). He was named a first-team Division I-AA All-American.

1984: Senior Season Records

In 1984, during his senior year, Jerry Rice surpassed his own Division I-AA records for receiving yards (1,845) and receptions (112); his 27 touchdown receptions in the 1984 season set the NCAA record for every division. He finished ninth in Heisman Trophy balloting.

July 1985: Signed Rookie Contract

In July 1985, Jerry Rice signed a five-year rookie contract that paid him $377,000 per year with the San Francisco 49ers.

1985: Joined the 49ers

In 1985, Jerry Rice joined the San Francisco 49ers after being selected as the 16th overall pick in the NFL draft.

1986: Led the NFL in Receiving Yards and Touchdowns

In 1986, Jerry Rice led the NFL in both receiving yards (1,570) and touchdown receptions (15). He was also named to the Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro teams.

1986: First Pro Bowl Selection

In 1986, Jerry Rice was selected to the Pro Bowl, marking the first of 13 Pro Bowl selections in his career.

1986: USFL Folded After Season

In 1986, The United States Football League folded after its season.

1987: Record for Most Touchdowns in a Season

In 1987, Jerry Rice set the record for the most receiving touchdowns in a season, achieving 22 touchdowns in a twelve-game strike-shortened season.

1988: Won First Championship

In 1988, Jerry Rice won his first championship with the San Francisco 49ers.

1989: Won Second Championship

In 1989, Jerry Rice secured his second consecutive championship with the San Francisco 49ers.

1994: Won Third Super Bowl

In 1994, Jerry Rice won his third Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers and received his second Offensive Player of the Year Award.

June 2001: Released by the 49ers and Signed with the Raiders

In June 2001, after recovering from a knee injury and experiencing a decline in his performance, the San Francisco 49ers released Jerry Rice, who then signed a four-year deal with the Oakland Raiders.