History of Jerry Rice in Timeline

Jerry Lee Rice is a former American football wide receiver known as one of the greatest players in NFL history. His 20-season career included three Super Bowl wins with the San Francisco 49ers and stints with the Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks. His exceptional catching ability earned him the nickname "World," and he holds numerous NFL records. Rice is consistently ranked among the top NFL players, with accolades including a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and recognition as the greatest player in NFL history by NFL Films.

1942: Historical Touchdown Record

Don Hutson, in 1942, was the first player in NFL history to double the touchdown total of his nearest competitor, a feat matched by Jerry Rice in 1987.

October 13, 1962: Birth of Jerry Rice

Jerry Lee Rice was born on October 13, 1962.

1981: Freshman Season at Mississippi Valley State

In 1981, Jerry Rice had his freshman season at Mississippi Valley State, catching 30 passes for 428 yards and two touchdowns.

1981: Attends Mississippi Valley State University

Jerry Rice began attending Mississippi Valley State University in 1981.

1981: Stickum Banned in NFL

The NFL banned the use of Stickum in 1981.

1982: Start of "The Satellite Express"

Jerry Rice began playing with freshman quarterback Willie Totten in 1982, forming a strong bond and practicing together often. They later became known as "The Satellite Express."

1983: Record-Breaking Season and Nickname "World"

Jerry Rice had a record-setting 1983 season, achieving NCAA marks for receptions (102) and receiving yards (1,450) and being named a first-team Division I-AA All-American. He also acquired the nickname "World" due to his exceptional catching ability.

1984: Record-Breaking Senior Season

In 1984, Jerry Rice continued his success, breaking his own Division I-AA records for receiving yards (1,845) and receptions (112). He also set the NCAA record for every division with 27 touchdown receptions.

1984: Completes Studies at Mississippi Valley State University

Jerry Rice finished his studies at Mississippi Valley State University in 1984.

July 1985: Rookie Season and Early Career

In July 1985, Jerry Rice signed his rookie contract with the 49ers. He made his NFL debut in the season opener and scored his first touchdown in Week 5. Despite a breakout game with 241 receiving yards against the Rams, Rice also struggled with dropped passes throughout his rookie season. He finished the year with 927 receiving yards and was named NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year.

1985: Rice Drafted by 49ers

In 1985, Jerry Rice was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, marking the beginning of his legendary NFL career.

1986: Breakout Season

During the 1986 off-season, Jerry Rice dedicated himself to studying the 49ers' playbook. His hard work paid off, as he led the league in both receiving yards and touchdowns. He recorded his second career 200-yard receiving game and earned Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro honors.

1986: USFL Folds

The United States Football League (USFL), which had drafted Jerry Rice in 1985, folded after its 1986 season.

1986: First Pro Bowl Selection

The first of Jerry Rice's 13 Pro Bowl selections came in 1986.

September 8, 1987: Marriage to Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell

On September 8, 1987, Jerry Rice married Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell.

1987: Bert Bell Award and MVP Runner-Up

In 1987, Jerry Rice received the Bert Bell Award, which is given to the NFL Player of the Year. He also finished as the runner-up for the MVP award that same year.

1987: Single-Season Receiving Touchdowns Record

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

1987: Record-Breaking Season

Jerry Rice continued his dominance in 1987, leading the league in receiving touchdowns and breaking the then-NFL record. Despite a players' strike that caused him to miss several games, Rice returned to have a historic season, becoming the first wide receiver to win the NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award.

1987: Strike-Shortened Season

The 1987 NFL season was shortened due to a player's strike.

1988: Bill Walsh's Retirement

Following the 1988 season, Bill Walsh retired as head coach of the 49ers, a decision that saddened Jerry Rice, who considered Walsh a mentor.

1988: Jerry Rice's 1988 Season

In 1988, Jerry Rice signed a five-year contract extension with the 49ers. Despite battling an ankle injury, he achieved career-high receiving yards, earned Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro honors, and helped the 49ers win Super Bowl XXIII, securing the Super Bowl MVP title.

1988: First Super Bowl Championship

Jerry Rice won his first Super Bowl championship in 1988.

1989: Jerry Rice's 1989 Season

In 1989, Jerry Rice led the league in receiving yards and touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro selections. He contributed significantly to the 49ers' victory in Super Bowl XXIV.

1989: Second Super Bowl Championship

Jerry Rice won his second consecutive Super Bowl championship in 1989.

1990: Jerry Rice's 1990 Season

During the 1990 season, Jerry Rice became the first player in the Super Bowl era to lead the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He was selected for the Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro, contributing to the 49ers' impressive 14-2 record.

1991: Jerry Rice's 1991 Season

In 1991, with Steve Young stepping in as quarterback due to Joe Montana's injury, Jerry Rice remained a key player for the 49ers. He led the league in receiving touchdowns but also experienced his first season without a playoff appearance.

1991: Birth of Jerry Rice Jr.

Jerry Rice's son, Jerry Rice Jr., was born in 1991.

1992: Jerry Rice's 1992 Season

In 1992, Jerry Rice navigated a contract dispute and a concussion, ultimately signing a new contract with the 49ers. He had a remarkable season, breaking Steve Largent's career receiving touchdown record and earning Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro honors. Despite his efforts, the 49ers lost in the NFC Championship.

1992: Montana Traded to the Chiefs

In 1992, Joe Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. This move upset Jerry Rice, who felt the 49ers should have shown Montana more respect.

1992: Sterling Sharpe Matches Rice's Feat

In 1992, Sterling Sharpe replicated Jerry Rice's accomplishment from 1990 by leading the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.

1992: End of Contract

Jerry Rice's five-year contract with the 49ers, signed in 1988, came to an end in 1992.

April 1993: Rice's Impressive Performance Despite Montana's Departure

Despite Montana's departure in April 1993, Rice continued to excel. He had a strong season with notable performances against the Phoenix Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

1994: Rice's Dominant Performance from 1994 to 1996

Between 1994 and 1996, Rice maintained his exceptional form, amassing impressive statistics and solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history.

1994: Rice's Record-Breaking Season and Super Bowl XXIX Victory

In 1994, Rice achieved a career milestone by becoming the NFL's all-time leader in touchdowns. He also played a pivotal role in the 49ers' Super Bowl XXIX victory, securing his place as a football legend.

1994: Third Super Bowl Victory

Jerry Rice won his third Super Bowl in 1994.

1995: MVP Runner-Up

Jerry Rice was named the runner-up for the NFL MVP award in 1995.

1995: Rice's Record-Breaking Season

The 1995 season saw Rice set a new NFL record for most receiving yards in a single season, a record that would stand for several years. His performances throughout the season were nothing short of extraordinary.

May 16, 1996: Birth of Jada Rice and Jackie's Health Scare

On May 16, 1996, Jerry and Jackie Rice welcomed their third child, Jada. However, the joy was overshadowed by Jackie's serious post-partum complications. Despite the challenges, Rice returned to football for the start of the season.

1996: Publication of Rice

In 1996, Jerry Rice co-authored and published his first book, "Rice," with Michael Silver. The book focuses on Rice's life and experiences.

1996: Last Pro Bowl Selection for a Decade

Jerry Rice's 11th consecutive Pro Bowl selection occurred in 1996, his last until 1998.

1996: Birth of Jada Symone Rice

Jerry Rice's daughter, Jada Symone Rice, was born in 1996.

1997: Rice's Season-Ending Injury

In the 1997 season opener, Rice suffered a severe knee injury that ended his season. Despite the setback, he showed incredible determination to return to the field, even scoring a touchdown in his comeback game.

1997: Missed Games Due to Injury

Jerry Rice missed 14 games during the 1997 NFL season due to injury.

1998: Rice Recovers from Injury and Returns to Form

In 1998, Jerry Rice showed his resilience and talent by making a full recovery from a knee injury he sustained the previous season. He returned for the season opener and had an impressive season, recording 82 catches for 1,157 yards and nine touchdowns, becoming the oldest receiver ever to record a 1,000-yard season at age 36. He also earned a Pro Bowl selection. Despite Rice's efforts, the 49ers were defeated in the Divisional Round of the playoffs by the Atlanta Falcons.

1998: 12th Pro Bowl Selection

Jerry Rice was selected to his 12th Pro Bowl in 1998.

1999: Ranked No. 2 on 100 Greatest Football Players List

In 1999, Jerry Rice earned the No. 2 spot on the Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players.

1999: Ranked Second on "Football's 100 Greatest Players"

In 1999, The Sporting News listed Jerry Rice second behind Jim Brown on its list of "Football's 100 Greatest Players."

1999: Rice-Totten Stadium

Mississippi Valley State University renamed its football stadium from Magnolia Stadium to Rice-Totten Stadium in 1999 to honor Jerry Rice and Willie Totten.

1999: Rice Falls Short of 1,000 Yard Receiving Mark

The 1999 season marked a challenging year for both Jerry Rice and the San Francisco 49ers. Rice, despite playing in all 16 games, failed to reach the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the first time in his career, finishing with 67 receptions for 830 yards and five touchdowns. The 49ers struggled as a team, going 4-12 and missing the postseason. This marked a decline for Rice, though he still performed at a high level.

2000: Rice's Final Season with the 49ers

In 2000, Jerry Rice played his final season with the San Francisco 49ers. He had 75 receptions for 805 yards and seven touchdowns, marking the first time in his career that he didn't have a single game with at least 100 receiving yards. This season was also notable for the emergence of Terrell Owens, who broke the single-game reception record in Rice's final home game, which caused some tension between the two receivers. The 49ers struggled, finishing 6-10 and missing the playoffs, leading to Rice's departure from the team he had become synonymous with.

2000: Awarded Pro Football Player of the Decade

Jerry Rice was awarded the ESPY Award for Pro Football Player of the Decade for the 1990s in 2000.

June 2001: Rice Joins the Oakland Raiders

In June 2001, after a long and successful tenure with the San Francisco 49ers, Jerry Rice was released and signed a four-year contract with the Oakland Raiders. This move signaled a new chapter in his career as he joined forces with another veteran receiver, Tim Brown. Rice had a productive season with the Raiders, catching 83 passes for 1,139 yards and nine touchdowns, proving that he could still perform at a high level despite his age. The Raiders made it to the playoffs, where they lost a controversial game to the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round, famously known as the "Tuck Rule Game."

June 2001: Released from the 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers released Jerry Rice in June 2001.

2002: Rice Excels in 2002

In 2002, Jerry Rice had a resurgent season, catching 92 passes for 1,211 yards and seven touchdowns. He earned his 13th Pro Bowl selection and was named to the Second-team All-Pro team, demonstrating his continued excellence at an advanced stage in his career. His teammate, Rich Gannon, was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player for the 2002 season.

2002: Rice Breaks Scrimmage Yards Record, Reaches Super Bowl with Raiders

Jerry Rice had a remarkable 2002 season with the Oakland Raiders. He surpassed Walter Payton as the NFL's all-time leader in scrimmage yards, a testament to his longevity and consistency. Rice continued to excel, earning his 13th Pro Bowl selection and helping the Raiders reach Super Bowl XXXVII. However, the Raiders fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl, a game where Rice had five receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown. This loss marked the first time Rice had been on the losing side in a Super Bowl, and it reportedly deeply affected him.

2002: Final Pro Bowl Selection

Jerry Rice was selected to his 13th and final Pro Bowl in 2002.

2003: Rice's Production Dips, Frustration Grows in Oakland

The 2003 season saw a dip in production for Jerry Rice, as he caught 63 passes for 869 yards and only two touchdowns. This marked a significant drop from his previous season's performance. The Raiders also struggled as a team, finishing 4-12, which led to the firing of head coach Bill Callahan. Rice expressed frustration about his role on the team, hinting at potential disagreements with the coaching staff about his usage.

2004: Rice Requests Trade from Raiders

By the start of the 2004 season, Jerry Rice's role with the Raiders had diminished, and his production had declined. After four games, he had only five receptions for 64 yards. Feeling underutilized and frustrated with the team's direction, he requested a trade from Raiders owner Al Davis, seeking a new opportunity to contribute elsewhere.

2004: Rice Signs with Broncos, Doesn't Play

Following the 2004 season, Jerry Rice signed a one-year contract with the Denver Broncos. However, Rice never played a down for the Broncos, making this a brief and unusual chapter in his career.

2004: Traded to the Seahawks

In 2004, the Raiders traded Jerry Rice to the Seattle Seahawks.

2004: Rice Traded to Seattle, Sets Career Record

Jerry Rice's request for a trade was granted during the 2004 season when he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks. Reuniting with head coach Mike Holmgren, Rice was given the honor of wearing Steve Largent's retired No. 80 jersey. In a Monday Night Football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Rice achieved another milestone, setting the career record for combined net yards. Despite his age, Rice remained remarkably durable, playing in all 17 games that season (six with the Raiders and 11 with the Seahawks). The Seahawks lost in the Wild Card Round to the St. Louis Rams, which would be Rice's last non-preseason game in the NFL.

September 5, 2005: Rice Announces Retirement

After a legendary 20-season career, Jerry Rice officially announced his retirement from the NFL on September 5, 2005. He left the game as one of the most decorated and respected players in history.

2005: Jerry Rice Competes on Dancing with the Stars

During the 2005-2006 season of the reality show "Dancing with the Stars," Jerry Rice, partnered with Anna Trebunskaya, competed.

2005: Retirement from the NFL

Jerry Rice briefly signed with the Denver Broncos but retired shortly before the start of the 2005 season.

2005: Steve Smith Sr. Joins the Exclusive Club

Steve Smith Sr. joined Jerry Rice and Sterling Sharpe as the only players in the Super Bowl era to lead the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, achieving this feat in 2005.

August 2006: Rice Retires as a 49er

To formally acknowledge his legacy with the San Francisco 49ers, Jerry Rice signed a one-day contract with the team in August 2006. This symbolic act allowed him to retire as a member of the team where his illustrious career began.

November 19, 2006: 49ers Honor Rice at Halftime Ceremony

The San Francisco 49ers paid tribute to Jerry Rice with a special halftime ceremony during their game against the Seattle Seahawks on November 19, 2006. This gesture allowed the 49ers faithful to show their appreciation for Rice's incredible contributions to the franchise.

2006: Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame

In 2006, Jerry Rice was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

2006: Jerry Rice Finishes Second on Dancing with the Stars

Jerry Rice and his partner, Anna Trebunskaya, ended their run on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2006, placing as runners-up to Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke.

June 2007: Divorce Filing

Jacqueline Rice filed for divorce from Jerry Rice in June of 2007.

2007: Inducted into Multiple Halls of Fame

In 2007, Jerry Rice was inducted into both the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

2007: Publication of Go Long: My Journey Beyond the Game and the Fame

Jerry Rice co-authored a second book, "Go Long: My Journey Beyond the Game and the Fame," which was released in 2007. Brian Curtis collaborated with him on this project.

2007: Rice's Touchdown Record Broken

Randy Moss surpassed Jerry Rice's 1987 record of 22 receiving touchdowns by scoring 23 touchdowns in the 2007 NFL season.

2008: Postseason Records Broken

In 2008, Larry Fitzgerald surpassed Jerry Rice's postseason records for receiving yards and touchdowns, which Rice had set in the 1988 postseason.

2008: Begins Dating Latisha Pelayo

Jerry Rice began dating Latisha Pelayo in 2008.

December 2009: Divorce Finalized

Jerry and Jacqueline Rice's divorce was finalized in late December of 2009.

2009: Jerry Rice Appears in Film and Television

In 2009, Jerry Rice appeared in two different acting roles. He played Hal Gore in the film "Without a Paddle: Nature's Calling" and made a guest appearance as himself in an episode of the sitcom "Rules of Engagement" titled "Lyin' King."

August 7, 2010: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Jerry Rice was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 7, 2010.

September 20, 2010: Number Retired by the 49ers

On September 20, 2010, the San Franscisco 49ers retired Jerry Rice's No. 80 jersey.

November 4, 2010: Ranked No. 1 on NFL's Greatest Players

On November 4, 2010, Jerry Rice was ranked No. 1 on The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players list.

2010: Named Greatest NFL Player by NFL Network

In 2010, NFL Network's NFL Films production The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players chose Jerry Rice as the greatest player in NFL history.

2010: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Jerry Rice was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

2010: Jerry Rice Competes in Golf Tournament

Jerry Rice, having played golf for over 20 years, competed in the Fresh Express Classic, a Nationwide Tour event at TPC Stonebrae, on April 15–16, 2010. Despite receiving a sponsor's exemption, he missed the cut. Rice also participated as a team captain in "The Big Break Puerto Rico," leading his team to victory.

August 16, 2011: Release of Jerry Rice & Nitus' Dog Football

On August 16, 2011, a Wii video game called "Jerry Rice & Nitus' Dog Football," featuring Rice and his dog Nitus, was released.

2011: Inaugural Jerry Rice Award Presented

The Sports Network presented the first-ever Jerry Rice Award in 2011. It is given annually to the most outstanding freshman in the Football Championship Subdivision.

2012: Johnson Breaks Rice's Receiving Yards Record

In 2012, Calvin Johnson surpassed Rice's single-season receiving yards record, marking the end of an era.

2014: Jerry Rice Jr. Participates in 49ers Local Pro Day

Jerry Rice Jr. participated in a 49ers local pro day before the 2014 NFL draft, but was not drafted.

2014: Jerry Rice Serves as Pro Bowl Alumni Captain

Jerry Rice took on the role of alumni captain for "Team Rice" during the 2014 Pro Bowl.

January 2015: Stickum Controversy

Jerry Rice admitted to using Stickum on his gloves during his career in January of 2015, but later retracted the statement. The substance had been banned by the NFL in 1981.

2015: League Records as of End of 2015 NFL Season

As of the end of the 2015 NFL season, Rice continued to hold various league records.

2016: Jerry Rice Returns as Pro Bowl Alumni Captain

Jerry Rice reprised his role as alumni captain for "Team Rice" during the 2016 Pro Bowl.

October 21, 2019: Marriage to Latisha Pelayo

As of October 21, 2019, Jerry Rice is married to Latisha Pelayo.

2019: Publication of America's Game: The NFL at 100

In 2019, Jerry Rice, alongside Randy O. Williams, co-authored the book "America's Game: The NFL at 100." This release commemorated the National Football League's centennial anniversary.

2021: Cooper Kupp Replicates the Triple Crown

In 2021, Cooper Kupp became the fourth player in Super Bowl history, following Jerry Rice, Sterling Sharpe, and Steve Smith Sr., to lead the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.

January 1, 2022: Brenden Rice Transfers to USC

Jerry Rice's son, Brenden Rice, announced his decision to transfer to the University of Southern California on January 1, 2022.

2022: Jerry Rice Partners with the American Red Cross

In 2022, Jerry Rice partnered with the American Red Cross on a campaign to bring awareness to blood donations.

2022: Reflections on the NFL Draft

In a 2022 interview, Jerry Rice shared that he had doubts about being drafted into the NFL. He "downplayed everything" to avoid disappointment and admitted to playing "head games" with himself. Rice also revealed his backup plan of fixing electronics if his football career didn't work out.