Jerry Rice was the greatest wide-receiver to play football in the NFL. He is arguably the greatest player in the history of football. In 2010, he was voted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
Where did Jerry Rice grow up?
Jerry Rice was born in Crawford, Mississippi on October 13, 1962. Crawford was a very small town where Jerry grew up with his seven brothers and sisters. His dad was brick mason and Jerry and his brothers would work with his dad over the summers helping him lay bricks.
Jerry played football in high school. He was good enough to make the all-state team in Mississippi, but did not receive a scholarship from any major schools.
Where did Jerry Rice go to college?
Even though Jerry didn't get a scholarship to a major college, he did get some interest and an offer to play for Mississippi Valley State University. Despite not getting to go to a major college, Rice made the most out of his opportunity at MVSU. By his senior year Rice and his team had gained national attention for their passing attack. Rice caught a record 112 receptions and 1,845 yards including 27 touchdowns. He was named an All-American and finished 9th in the Heisman voting. This was quite an accomplishment for a player from a small school.
Jerry Rice and Joe Montana
Jerry was drafted by the San Francisco Giants as the 16th overall pick in the 1985 NFL draft. There he met up with future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Joe Montana. Over the next several years Jerry Rice and Joe Montana would become the most famous wide receiver and quarterback combination in NFL history.
Jerry Rice and Steve Young
After Montana left the 49ers, Rice continued his success with quarterback Steve Young. Although much is often made of the Montana-Rice combination, it was Young and Rice that set the all time scoring duo with 85 touchdown passes.
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