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By WFAN.com Jerry Rice made the climb from starring at tiny Mississippi Valley State to becoming a three-time Super Bowl champ, Hall of Famer and, in many people's eyes, the greatest wide receiver in NFL history. But who knows what might've happened if not for some fortunate timing?
Talking to WFAN's "Boomer & Gio" on Super Bowl Radio Row on Friday in Atlanta, the 10-time All-Pro told the story of how he was discovered by the San Francisco 49ers.
"The Niners, they were in New Orleans to play the Saints," Rice said. "Bill Walsh was just flicking the channels on the television and came across me that Saturday playing someone, catching the football and just running away from everybody. That's how I got drafted.
"So Bill goes back to his scouting department and says, 'Hey, you know what? You guys might need to look at this guy Jerry Rice.' That's how I got drafted."
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The 49ers selected Rice with the 16th overall pick in the 1985 draft. He is now the NFL's all-time leader in receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,985) and receiving touchdowns (197).
He says he doesn't ever think about whether he is the greatest wide receiver ever or whether anyone might someday top him.
"Seriously, I had great teammates, I loved the game of football, I never wanted to let my family down in Mississippi, all the fans, and I think that was that thing that kept pushing me," Rice said.
To listen to the interview, click on the audio player above.
