The NFL today announced what everyone already knew: Jerry Rice is a hall of famer. The former 49ers receiver will be a first-ballot inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 7. Other former 49ers, such as running back Roger Craig, defensive end Charles Haley and defensive end Richard Dent, did not make the cut nor did former Raiders receiver Tim Brown. Linebacker Rickey Jackson, who played for the 49ers in 1994-95, will join Rice as will Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith, Minnesota VIkings defensive tackle John Randle and Washington Redskins guard Russ Grimm. Cornerback Dick LeBeau and running back Floyd Little also will be part of the 2010 class.
Rice owns most of the NFL's significant receiving records, including total catches (1,549) and receiving yards (22,895). To put that number in perspective, the player closest to Rice in career receiving yards, Isaac Bruce, has 15,208 yards. Bruce has had a prolific career and played in one of the most pass-happy offenses in NFL history. But he would have to play eight more seasons and average 1,000 yards a season to pass Rice. Bruce is expected to announce his retirement in coming weeks.
Rice also won three Super bowls while with the 49ers and was the game's MVP in 1989. He was the league's offensive player of the year in 1987 and 1993. Rice said that former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. will introduce him when at his induction ceremony. "I hope to do the same for him because he deserves to be in the hall of fame," Rice said on the NFL Network.
Rice also thanked quarterbacks Joe Montana and Steve Young as well as former coach Bill Walsh. He broke down when asked about his parents, whom he said gave him his famous work ethic. "It was hard work and appreciation for the game," Rice said after composing himself. "And I loved this game. It was everything to me."
The class was selected by 44 voters, known formally as the board of selectors. The list of finalists was first narrowed to 10 and then to five. Neither Craig nor Haley were included on the list of 10, although Dent was.
-- Matt Barrows
