# Talk:Jerry Rice

{{Editprotected}}Jerry was actually born in Starkville, Mississippi; however, he was raised in Crawford, Mississippi.

{{editprotected}} This page is semiprotected; any username more than a few days old can edit it. There is no need for administrator assistance. CMummert · talk 14:43, 24 April 2007 (UTC)

From his web site (dated Dec. 7, 2007):
I am saddened to announce that Jackie and I have separated after 20 years of marriage. Our main priority is the well-being of our children and we ask that you please respect our family’s privacy during this difficult time.
Jerry  —Preceding unsigned comment added by Budmetro (talk • contribs) 03:37, 23 January 2008 (UTC) 

I don't think it is correct to say that he is arguably the greatest football player ever because it is impossible to compare one position to another.

its arguable though, isn't it?--Alhutch 18:21, 16 January 2006 (UTC)
I dont think Jerry rice is the best for his age...he is getting old and he pretty much is done he has no steam left in him and he just in general sucks now. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Stever6098 (talk • contribs) 20:08, 14 March 2007 (UTC).

There is a mistake in this section. It claims Randy Moss is 2nd place in recieving touchdowns per game for a single season with 1.44. This is incorrect since Don Hutson caught 17 touchdowns in 11 games back in 1942 giving him 1.55 per game.  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 92.9.70.155 (talk) 14:32, 18 March 2008 (UTC) 
Don Hutson > Randy Moss, somebody fix. --70.180.90.29 (talk) 20:48, 23 December 2008 (UTC)Steve12992

I changed the number of NFL seasons from 20 to 21.  He played in 21 differnt seasons.  Granted one of them was for only 4 preseason games.

The section on his work ethic is very interesting. It would be great to have some details about his workout routine and what about it was so extreme compared to other players Cshay 06:54, 23 January 2006 (UTC)

A description of a few of his most famous receptions would be nice Cshay 06:54, 23 January 2006 (UTC)

it doesn't really mention any huge games he had. I think he must have had at least one or two 250 yard games or something like that. perhaps we could mention it.--B.U. Football For Life|Talk 18:31, 26 January 2006 (UTC)

For those of us, not me, that don't know the term why not just put "he retired"? I doubt a true dictionary would put that phrase in it.
Sarge

The user at 24.56.244.150 changed several entries in the article to nonsense entries:
In NFL Records: Postseason:
"Receptions (5,000,000 And Counting)"
In Trivia:
"Rice gained 1,000,000 rushing yards and 1,000,000 rushing touchdowns, unusually small figures for a QuarterBack."
I have reverted these changes, but someone needs to tell this user that such nonsense is not acceptable.Charleatls 05:18, 26 April 2006 (UTC)
...also, 1000 TDs - the man was good, but THAT good...

Jerry Rice is considered one of the greatest FOOTBALL PLAYERS of all time... why does the only picture on the page show him ballroom dancing rather than showing him on the field or at least in a football uniform?

Maybe we should even move the picture up to the top... --Liface 06:08, 11 July 2006 (UTC)
I hope you all like the photo i choose Zidane tribal 18:53, 20 February 2007 (UTC)

From the main article, "In fact, he became the first non-kicker in NFL history to score 1000 points in his career..." ignores QBs like Marino and is not correct.
Regarding the "criticism" portion, many first rate WR have avg yds/catch below Rice (Harrison,Carter,T Brown,Reed,Owens,Monk).
Rice also was very good at the run after catch.  I think Montana and Young statistically have yards/throw on par with other QBs.
This works against the criticism.  Also, the discussion about production after leaving SF obviously is after Rice's traumatic leg injury, after which some say he was never the same.--Billymac00 13:35, 17 October 2006 (UTC)
Jerry ahd his best years playing for the Bears, or should I say day........all he did was he told the coach all of the seahawks plays...lol
Passing touchdowns do not count for a given player's scoring...therefore a QB's (such as Marino) passing touchdowns are irrelevant in comparison to Rice's touchdowns. A player has to cross the endzone with the ball or kick it through the uprights in order for the points to be counted for his scoring total.

Can't someone who knows how put an image of Jerry Rice PLAYING in this article?  Someone with such a legacy deserves it... --24.1.43.206 04:25, 26 February 2007 (UTC)

It's all an issue of Copyright - If a suitable photo that could be upload to WP without infringing copyright - then I'm sure someone could do it. --Rehnn83 Talk 12:00, 26 February 2007 (UTC)

Jerry Rice caught bricks in the snow. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 71.198.87.172 (talk) 08:29, 2 March 2007 (UTC).
Jerry Rice is the man
Yeah that is true albiet not in the snow especially in Mississippi lol. Hence some1 should explain on the 1st paragraph in the early life section.  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 60.242.169.170 (talk) 19:05, 20 September 2007 (UTC) 

2 All Purpose Yards was NOT Emmitt, but rather Brian Mitchell:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Mitchell_%28running_back%29
http://www.nfl.com/history/randf/records/indiv/combined

The NFL.COM stats link is old, it should be, at least as of today, 9/9/07,:  http://www.nfl.com/players/jerryrice/profile?id=RIC128880.  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.198.40.98 (talk) 03:30, 10 September 2007 (UTC) 

Why ZERO mention of Joe Montana in this whole article. If wasn't for Montana's great quaterbacking, Rice would still be Pro Bowler but would we be arguing he was the GREATEST of all Wide Receivers? I have the same issue with the Joe Montana article, which only once or twice mentions Rice. This was one of the GREASTEST QB/WR duo in the history of the NFL if not the BEST ever!Ronsin1976 00:45, 20 October 2007 (UTC)
I noticed that Randy Moss' name is not in bold type to indicate his status as an active player.  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.214.156.159 (talk) 14:23, 11 December 2007 (UTC) 

This article was automatically assessed because at least one WikiProject had rated the article as start, and the rating on other projects was brought up to start class. BetacommandBot (talk) 19:20, 5 January 2008 (UTC)

I think it should be mentioned that Jerry went to training camp with the Broncos in 2005  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.60.37.8 (talk) 22:53, 21 January 2008 (UTC) 

The "double production" stat is interesting, but needs to be reworded to stay. Plus, without doing much research, the 2007 New York Jets had a similar thing with Leveranues Coles having 6 receiving touchdowns compared to a few other players with 3. Unless it has a different meaning, can somebody please take it off (stupid locked page) 24.99.219.179 (talk) 04:51, 18 February 2008 (UTC)
Are all of these obscure records necessary??  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.70.184.221 (talk) 20:12, 5 September 2008 (UTC) 

The article incorrectly states that the 49ers retired Jersey #80. This is incorrect.  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.230.216.64 (talk) 07:31, 14 March 2008 (UTC) 

Is the record "Oldest African American player to record a 2 pt. conversion" relevant?
Silent (talk) 09:44, 13 October 2008 (UTC)
No it's not. Seriously, everyone knows Jerry was the greatest but unnecessary records like this shouldn't be on the list. Only add records that people care about. -Steve12992

The NFL records section needs a serious clean up (or move to own article).

1st quarter touchdowns (49)
2nd quarter touchdowns (68)
1st half touchdowns (117)
3rd quarter touchdowns (42)
4th quarter touchdowns (49)
2nd half touchdowns (91)
1st quarter touchdown receptions (46)
2nd quarter touchdown receptions (66)
1st half touchdown receptions (112)
3rd quarter touchdown receptions (39)
4th quarter touchdown receptions (46)
2nd half touchdown receptions (85)
Wow. Oh so important. 
Yes, the above records are important, all the records below don't seem that relevant though. --70.180.90.29 (talk) 20:46, 23 December 2008 (UTC)Steve12992

Touchdown receptions of 60+ yards (23)
Touchdown receptions of 50+ yards (36)
Touchdown receptions of 40+ yards (54)
Touchdown receptions of 30+ yards (76)
Touchdown receptions of 20+ yards (102)
Touchdown receptions of 10+ yards (137)
Touchdowns of 60+ yards from scrimmage (23)
Touchdowns of 50+ yards from scrimmage (36)
Touchdowns of 40+ yards from scrimmage (55)
Touchdowns of 30+ yards from scrimmage (77)
Touchdowns of 20+ yards from scrimmage (107)
Touchdowns of 10+ yards from scrimmage (143)
70+? 80+? 90+?
100+?
Thought so.

Seasons with at least 1 touchdown reception (20)
Seasons with at least 2 touchdown receptions (19)
Seasons with at least 3 touchdown receptions (18)
Seasons with at least 4 touchdown receptions (16)
Seasons with at least 5 touchdown receptions (16)
Seasons with at least 6 touchdown receptions (15)
Seasons with at least 7 touchdown receptions (15)
Seasons with at least 8 touchdown receptions (13)
Seasons with at least 9 touchdown receptions (12)
Seasons with at least 10 touchdown receptions (9)
Seasons with at least 11 touchdown receptions (8)
Seasons with at least 12 touchdown receptions (8)
Seasons with at least 13 touchdown receptions (8)
Seasons with at least 14 touchdown receptions (6)
Seasons with at least 15 touchdown receptions (5)
Give me a break.

Only player to record 299+ yards from scrimmage & 3+ touchdown receptions in the same game: 12/18/95
Why not 300+ yards?

Only player to catch a touchdown pass from 10+ different players from one team(San Francisco 49ers), and 2+ different players from 2 other teams (Seattle Seahawks & Oakland Raiders)
Who came up with this BS?
Hmm... while we're at it, I should just add some more records to the list.

Only player named Jerry Rice with 200+ touchdowns
Oldest player named Jerry Rice with 200+ touchdowns
Most seasons played with the name Jerry Rice
Most touchdowns by a player picked 16th overall in the 1985 NFL draft
Most career receiving yards by a player with 22895 career receiving yards
.
.
.  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 80.255.97.36 (talk) 11:23, 22 October 2008 (UTC) 

I changed the TD number from 197 to 208.  197 are his number of touchdown passes caught; 208 is his career (NFL record) for touchdowns scored, via 197 TDs caught, 10 TDs rushing, and one TD on a fumble recovery.  If the idea is to list only his receiving TDs in the info box, the caption should be changed accordingly. Vidor (talk) 17:56, 15 July 2009 (UTC)

On Dec 7 07 Rice announced that he separated from his wife Jacqueline Mitchell. Together they have 3 kids: Jaqui Bonet (b. June 7, 1987), Jerry Jr. (b. July 27, 1991), and Jada Symone (b. May 16, 1996). Jacqui, a student at Georgetown Univesity is an aspring singer. Jerry Jr is seemingly following in his father's footsteps by playing football at UCLA in Fall 2009.70.108.103.236 (talk) 00:19, 27 July 2009 (UTC)

"His 303 games are by far the most ever played by an NFL wide receiver, and are only 72 games behind the NFL record for games played by any player".  While the first half of that is definitely an achivement...72 games is 4.5 seasons worth.  That's a long time in the NFL, I'm not sure it's at all useful to have.  In baseball, where it's a half season, sure, but 4.5 seasons worth of games?  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.35.238.170 (talk) 02:26, 21 September 2010 (UTC) 

Pro-Football-Reference says that Rice was born in Crawford, MS [1]. However, the Internet Movie Database  says he was born in Starkville, MS [2]. Anyone have any cited references to help determine the truth here? I'm not in anyway an expert on this topic, so some input is much needed. WM2 23:59, 17 February 2011 (UTC)

Someone changed the article to falsely state that Rice was an 11x first team all pro selection when in reality he was only a 10 time first team all pro choice and a 2x second team all pro choice.  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.178.207.23 (talk) 05:21, 11 March 2011 (UTC) 

This statement...: In 1987, the runner-up to Rice in touchdown receptions was Philadelphia Eagles receiver Mike Quick with 11. This marked the first time in NFL history that a category leader doubled the total of his nearest competitor.[6]
...is wrong. He is not the first to have 2 times or more TD receptions, in a season, than his nearest competitor. It is maybe true for the Super Bowl era. But Don Hutson had 17 receiving TDs in 1942, while Ray McLean was second with 8.
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1942/receiving.htm
Would be nice if someone could change it. JohnnyDolphin (talk) 23:04, 26 January 2012 (UTC)

If Rice's admission of using stickum is correct, doesn't that mean the whole thing about him being the greatest ever should be reexamined? We used to consider Lance Armstrong the greatest Tour de France cyclist ever, but we don't any more, in light of his cheating. I guess we'll have to follow reliable sources, but it's an interesting question nonetheless.  — Amakuru (talk) 12:51, 10 February 2015 (UTC)

I agree. Jerry Stockton (talk) 01:26, 26 January 2018 (UTC)
I changed the lede to show Rice is among the greatest wide receivers of all time. Jerry Stockton (talk) 13:17, 4 February 2019 (UTC)
WP:ASSERT The text of Wikipedia articles should assert facts, but not assert opinions as fact. That Rice is the greatest of all time is an opinion. Jerry Stockton (talk) 18:26, 10 February 2019 (UTC)
MOS:LEAD "It [the lead] should identify the topic, establish context, explain why the topic is notable, and summarize the most important points, including any prominent controversies." Rice's use of Stickum clearly a prominent controversy and it belongs in the lead. Jerry Stockton (talk) 17:45, 31 March 2019 (UTC)
As far as I can tell, this was just a news blip.  I dont see enduring coverage, or much talk of him not being generally considered the greatest receiver any more.  Thus, it seems WP:UNDUE for the lead, though it can remain in the body.—Bagumba (talk) 05:30, 4 July 2019 (UTC)

Add this sentence after the last sentence in the LEGACY section.  -Rice also wrote on February 7, 2015 that "all players did it!" -
Mfava57 (talk) 22:05, 11 February 2015 (UTC)

 Not done: please provide reliable sources that support the change you want to be made. — {{U|Technical 13}} (e • t • c) 02:44, 12 February 2015 (UTC)

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This review is transcluded from Talk:Jerry Rice/GA1. The edit link for this section can be used to add comments to the review.
Reviewer: Mike Christie (talk · contribs) 02:52, 5 September 2022 (UTC)

I'll review this. Mike Christie (talk - contribs -  library) 02:52, 5 September 2022 (UTC)
Images are appropriately licensed.  Footnote numbers refer to this version. Earwig shows no issues beyond unavoidable short strings of words.

FN 54 cites the New York Post, which is an unreliable source per WP:RS/PS.  The fact you're using it to cite is probably OK, but if it's possible to remove the source in favour of more reliable sources I would suggest doing so.
The article in question is published by the New York Post, but is written by an editorial board of the Associated Press. Moreover, there is consensus on the Posts' unreliability on the reporting of politics and controversial topics, but as far as I can tell, there's no consensus on its reliability on uncontroversial topics such as sports. Open to more discussion on this, though. NSNW (talk) 17:04, 5 September 2022 (UTC)
Yes, I think it's OK for this. Mike Christie (talk - contribs -  library) 18:19, 5 September 2022 (UTC)
What makes the following reliable sources?
d3football.com -- and if you keep it the formatting of the citation should be fixed; it currently uses cite journal.
I'm unable to find this anywhere in the references. Weird.
It's FN 45: "An open letter to Jerry Rice". Mike Christie (talk - contribs -  library) 18:19, 5 September 2022 (UTC)
It's the official website related to NCAA Division III football, the division in which Rice spent his college seasons. I've changed the format to a website as well. NSNW (talk) 21:49, 5 September 2022 (UTC)
bluephi.net -- which you have listed as bluephi.com in the citation, so that should be fixed if you keep this.
Fixed.
The citation is fixed, but why is it reliable? Mike Christie (talk - contribs -  library) 18:19, 5 September 2022 (UTC)
Changed it to a more reliable source. NSNW (talk) 22:22, 5 September 2022 (UTC)
spotrac.com -- looks like a two-person operation; is this treated as reliable by other reliable sources such as newspapers?
Here's [article] from Bleacher Report using its statistics as a reference. It's a post-2013 article, generally considered more reliable than articles before that. I thought about using a different player salary source: over-the-cap.com, but I found it harder to source.
The career statistics section appears to be sourced by an embedded external link at the foot of the table; can you change this to a citation format?
Fixed.
That works.  See this for another way; up to you. Mike Christie (talk - contribs -  library) 18:19, 5 September 2022 (UTC)
The "Awards and honors" section is unsourced.
All of the information in the section is sourced in other parts of the article.
I think we still need something; a reader shouldn't have to search through the article to find the sourcing for each row, and if an editor were to remove the earlier sourcing the list entry would become unsourced with no warning.  A ref column is a common way to do it; e.g. this approach. Mike Christie (talk - contribs -  library) 18:19, 5 September 2022 (UTC)
I see what you mean. Most of the awards can be sourced under Rice's PFR stat page, I'll source them there. NSNW (talk) 21:57, 5 September 2022 (UTC)
"After recovering from a knee injury and his play regressing, San Francisco traded him to the Raiders in 2001, having good seasons with the team and helping to lead them to an appearance in Super Bowl XXXVII, where they were defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, affecting Rice's previously unblemished Super Bowl record."  There's no subject for "having good seasons" and this is too long and complicated a sentence anyway.  Can we break it up?
Reworded. NSNW (talk) 17:09, 5 September 2022 (UTC)
"The Raiders traded him to the Seahawks midway through the 2004 season, where he finished his final season. He briefly signed with the Broncos, retiring shortly before the start of the 2005 season.": repetitious.
Reworded and removed the second mention of 'season'.
I tweaked this a bit. Mike Christie (talk - contribs -  library) 18:19, 5 September 2022 (UTC)
"Rice is the career leader in most major statistical categories for wide receivers,[11] including receptions, receiving touchdowns, receiving yards, scrimmage yards, and total touchdowns; holding the postseason records for these statistics; he once held the single season records for yards and touchdowns."
Did you forgot to add feedback to this? I'm unsure of what you want me to fix with that sentence. NSNW (talk) 17:13, 5 September 2022 (UTC)
I think I was going to complain about the semicolons but then just put a general comment about them in the next bullet instead. Mike Christie (talk - contribs -  library) 18:19, 5 September 2022 (UTC)
"Rice's father, Joe, was a brick mason who built houses by hand; while holding other jobs to provide for the family": this is not what semicolons are for; should be a comma.  Semicolons separate complete sentences.  Please review the article for semicolons; I see other examples further down.  I just did a Ctrl-F to find semicolons in the article and there are 69 -- of the first half-dozen I checked all but one should have been a comma.
Fixed the semicolon you mentioned. I'll continue to weed through the rest of the article for any unneeded ones. NSNW (talk) 17:20, 5 September 2022 (UTC)
OK; will hold off on reviewing the semicolons again till you tell me you're done. Mike Christie (talk - contribs -  library) 18:19, 5 September 2022 (UTC)
Finished cutting some of them. I believe there are 28 now. NSNW (talk) 16:30, 10 September 2022 (UTC)
"Rice signed a five-year, $5.05 contract": somehow I suspect this amount is wrong.
Oh typos. Yes, he was definetely paid $5.05 over five years, great riches for most of us. Fixed.
"he believed he would help in the 49ers' pursuit of the Super Bowl": Rice believed Sanders would help, or Rice believed Rice would help?
Didn't want to be too repeat 'Sanders' too much, but I can understand the problem. Fixed. NSNW (talk) 17:11, 5 September 2022 (UTC)
That's everything.  I made quite a few minor copyedits.  You might consider getting a GOCE copyedit done before you nominate another article; if there are too many prose problems you may find your nominations get failed. Mike Christie (talk - contribs -  library) 13:42, 5 September 2022 (UTC)

I believe I addressed all of your concerns. NSNW (talk) 17:08, 10 September 2022 (UTC)
The semicolons are much improved; thanks -- I would still disagree on some but that's not an issue for GA. Mike Christie (talk - contribs -  library) 17:45, 10 September 2022 (UTC)
Earwig finds no issues.  Spotchecks:

FN 32 cites "In 1982, Rice played his first season with freshman quarterback Willie Totten."  Verified.
FN 63 cites "Before the 1988 season, Rice signed a five-year, $5.05m contract in June that kept him with the 49ers through 1992."  Verified.
FN 143 cites "With injury concerns with Rich Gannon, he asked Raiders owner Al Davis to trade him": Verified, but I don't think the source really connects these two things the way this sentence does.  The source's description of Rice's frustration has nothing to do with Gannon.
FN 167 cites "On September 20, 2010, during halftime of a game against the Saints, the 49ers retired Rice's No. 80 jersey" - verified.
Can you tweak the sentence about him and Gannon?  I think just dropping the mention of Gannon would do it. Mike Christie (talk - contribs -  library) 17:45, 10 September 2022 (UTC)

I removed the mention of Gannon. NSNW (talk) 18:01, 10 September 2022 (UTC)
Looks good; passing. Mike Christie (talk - contribs -  library) 18:01, 10 September 2022 (UTC)