How old is Jerry Rice?

In a sport as competitive as American Football, and with a lineage as deep as the NFL, having yourself be universally considered the best at any position requires an insane career. Thankfully, Jerry Rice was up to the task of achieving everything a player can on the field. “World” Is regarded as the greatest wine receiver in NFL history and one of the greatest players, period. He was even referred to as the greatest player in NFL history in 2010’s NFL Films production of the NFL’s Greatest Players. Names like Jim Brown and Tom Brady are the only ones that come close to matching Rice’s product and talent.

A four-year college state at Mississippi Valley State saw him set the benchmark for all players to follow at the NCAA level, most notably the all-time leader in receiving touchdowns in the entire competition. Making his way over to the 49ers, Rice saw a slow start to his career. In his second year, though, he exploded. What followed was an unparalleled run in NFL history. He immediately led the league in both yards and touchdowns, something he would repeat three more times over his career.

Fair warning: Some of these numbers are going to sound like video games. But, trust me, they’re all true. Forging the San Francisco 49ers dynasty with Joe Montana and Steve Young. He won back-to-back championships in 1988 and 1999 succeeding his record-setting season in 1987 where he became the record holder for most receiving touchdowns in the season with 22. Over his career, he led the league in receiving touchdowns, a record six times. However, the turn of the decade wasn’t a turn for Rice. He won another Super Bowl in 1994, but his tally of Super Bowl MVPs remained at one. However, he did tally another Offensive Player of the Year award, 6 years removed from his first one. He continued his strong play, winning multiple Pro Bowl honors, as part of an 11-year streak that began in 1986. He also was a first-team All-Pro selection 10 times, all in his days with the 49ers.

It wasn’t until the 21st century that his play saw a steep decline.

Jerry Rice's Age

Jerry Lee Rice was born on October 13th, 1962 in Starkville, Mississippi. He will soon celebrate his 61st birthday. As of August 2023, he stands at 60 years old. Almost 2 decades after his retirement, Rice remains at the pinnacle of football and the wide receiver position. His status as the greatest of all time remains unquestioned and unchallenged.

After being released by the 49ers following a knee injury, he went on to play for the Raiders and even led the team to a Super Bowl. However, he tastes his first defeat at the event, losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2004 he was traded to the Seahawks, where he spent his final season before retiring.

Solidifying his case as the greatest wide receiver ever, here are a few stats where he still leads all of NFL history. Receptions, receiving touchdowns, receiving yards, scrimmage yards, total touchdowns, most non-kicker points, and most first-team All-Pros, all while holding the same in the playoffs as well. He was a part of the NFL's 1980s and 1990s All-Decades team and the NFL, 75th and 100th anniversary, all-time team. He's a member of the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame and his number eighty has been retired by the team. He's a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame College Football Hall of Fame and Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

The greatest white receiver, and perhaps player in NFL history: Jerry Rice.