How Does Jerry Rice Excel On The Football Field?

Williams 1
Alden Williams
Ms. Farragut
English I, Period 5
February 16, 2023
Jerry Rice: Beyond the Statistics
What separates an average football player from an extraordinary player? Some people say that greatness on the football field is due to genes and that it comes naturally to some athletes. Other people say success comes from determination, practice, and grit. Statistically, it is easy to identify which players are extraordinary. Just look at the numbers. However, what habits and personality traits make a football player excel on the field? Jerry Rice, who was considered by many people to be one of the greatest wide receivers to ever play football, was a success due to his work ethic, discipline, and willingness to push himself beyond

Many people were surprised that Jerry chose the small, historically black Mississippi Valley State University instead of a larger school. Jerry Rice said he chose Mississippi Valley State University for two reasons: First, the coach came to meet Jerry Rice , and he felt very comfortable with him. Next, Mississippi Valley State University relied heavily on a passing football game. Jerry Rice knew this would give him plenty of opportunities to prove himself. (Beard) During his college football career, Jerry set many NCAA records. In 1984, Jerry Rice broke his previous record by receiving 112 passes and scoring twenty-seven touchdowns. Rice was named the Most Valuable Player of the annual all-star game, the Blue Gray Classic.

The San Francisco Forty-Niners were successful in drafting Rice. (Marvi). Initially, Rice got off to a bad start. Rice struggled so much at one point that the crowd even booed him. (Beard). Rice thinks the struggles came from his fear of failure. Finally, Rice realized he had the talent he needed to be in the NFL, and he decided to get out on the field and play. (Beard) Within a short time, Rice began making a name for himself in the NFL. Rice finished the 1987 football season scoring 22 touchdowns, twice as many touchdowns as the second-best quarterback in the league. (Marvi.) In 1987 he was recognized as the Offensive Player of the Year and MVP. Jerry Rice played for the Forty-niners for a total of fifteen years. Rice also played for the Oakland Raiders and later played for the Seattle Seahawks. He played for the Raiders for four seasons and the Seahawks for one season. At the end of his career, Rice signed a one-day contract with the Forty-Niners because he wanted to to retire as part of that team.