Paying Homage to Jerry Rice

Like the end of an epic saga the Jerry Rice era has come to an end.  I’ll never forget at the end of “The Return of the King” when the hobbits and Gandalf go their own separate ways.  They accomplished and went through so much together that an end seemed almost inconceivable.  I felt touched by their heroics which is what made it so sad to see them part.  All I wanted was one more task, one more mission, one more goal for them to strive for.  But after their performances what else could they really offer the audience?  

The same story goes with Jerry Rice.  His career has been ultimately a timeless performance that will take, literally, centuries to be paralleled.  He started out an underdog; too slow to be that next great receiver.  That tag caused fifteen foolish teams to pass on him before the 49ers drafted him with the 16th pick.  Every year he proved his critics wrong.  Every year he dominated the opposition.  But not this year.

A poll on ESPN.com asked the question: “Did you want to see Jerry Rice play one more season?”  My answer was yes.  In fact my answer will always be yes.  Every year I waited and longed to see Jerry Rice grace the football field.  It didn’t matter how old he was.  I’d watch the Raiders just to watch him (and I grew up a Niners fan).  Eventually it had to be done though.  There’s only so much one guy can offer.  

It will take awhile for me to get used to the NFL now that Jerry is gone.  We will have to start talking about the Greatest of all Time in the past tense now.  I’ll always remember the Monday night game against the Raiders when he caught the touchdown to break the record for most touchdowns ever.  I’ll always remember him and Steve Young carving up the San Diego defense for a Super Bowl title.  I’ll always remember the beautiful chemistry he had with Joe Montana.  With so many memories that Rice has given football fans maybe it will just feel like he never left.  At least that is what I’m hoping for because I have never been as attached to a player in any sport as I have been to Jerry Rice.  

Whether or not everyone believes he is the greatest player of all time everyone must accept that he was an icon of the game.  A face that symbolized dedication, work ethic, and loyalty right down to the very end.  To the greatest player who ever put on a football uniform: I salute you Jerry Rice, thank you for giving the fans something to cheer about.