Friday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Posted by Scott Kegley on August 6, 2010 – 5:40 PM
CANTON, OH – The Hall of Fame Class of 2010 just came through the media center at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This class is definitely unique as the leading receiver of all-time, Jerry Rice, will be enshrined along with the leading rusher of all-time, Emmitt Smith.
“You can go through all of sports and I don’t think you can come up with a better scenario than this particular weekend,” Smith told the media. ”This is like seeing Magic [Johnson] and [Larry] Bird go into the Hall of Fame at the same time.”
As was the case with Magic and Bird, Rice admitted his induction will be even more special because of the rivalry he shared with Smith.
“Cowboys and San Francisco…we didn’t like each other,” Rice said. “But to be going in with Emmitt means the world to me. There’s a type of respect there, not only with Emmitt but with all the guys.”
Despite the rivalry that existed between the 49ers and Cowboy, Smith noted that he and Rice have much in common. While Rice worked his way to the NFL, coming out of Mississippi Valley State, Smith also had his critics who said he would never make it being just over 5-9.
“Good fortunes to Jerry and good fortunes to myself because of the people we were surrounded by that helped us get to this point.”
Rice has been to the Hall of Fame before, but walking the grounds as a member will be much different.
“I knew that this was the pinnacle,” Rice said. ”Nothing is bigger than this to me. I’m excited to be here and get it started now. You rehearse, try to prepare yourself and listen to what people say about being on stage, perform your speach and get your words out. It’s almost game time.”
Feeling like a rookie once again, Rice said he’s also received some ribbing from the Hall of Fame veterans.
“Guys that are already in the Hall, they have a bet on who’s going to cry first and right now, everyone is pointing towards me to be the one,” Rice said. ”We’ll see what happens.”
Rice said his speech will come from the heart, hoping to connect with the fans who made his playing career special.
“I think a lot of people are going to be able to relate to my stories and the reasons why I played football,” Rice said.
Despite making it to the Hall of Fame, Rice still says he has not yet “arrived.” That moment will wait until he puts on his gold jacket. Staying true to form, Rice had his jacket tapered to make sure he looks sharp.
“I got it and I tried to taper that thing down, try to look all smooth,” Rice said. ”I’m an edgy guy, I like to take chances but this is going to be my only [gold jacket].”
Below are some photos from the media session. There is a dinner tonight so stay tuned!
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Rice speaks to the media
Rice blows a kiss to the crowd
FRIDAY NIGHT UPDATE:
So many of the NFL’s all-time greats were all in the same room Friday night. Members of the Hall of Fame joined this year’s class on stage before the Class of 2010 came up one by one to receive their gold jackets. I’m guessing that only Rice made sure his was tapered.
Here are some of the images from the night:
Rice with his family
Rice takes a bow next to his presenter, Eddie DeBartolo
Rice smiles in his gold jacket
The Class of 2010
Jerry and Mr. D walk the stage
Rice claps for the current members of the Hall of Fame
For more Jerry Rice Hall of Fame coverage, visit 49ers.com’s Jerry Rice Central page.
Tags: Emmitt Smith, Hall of Fame, Jerry Rice
Posted in Uncategorized | 14 Comments »
By Darlene deLaRoca on Aug 6, 2010 | Reply
I have always been a 49er fan.Even when my dad would be so mad at me ,cause
he was a Rams and Radiers fan.But at 9 years old I knew who my team was for life!!! …Can’t say I have ever like the cowboys,but I have been a Emmitt Smith fan.That guy loves the game. Football is his life and you got to respect him for that.Now… my Jerry Rice pure talent! Thank you Jerry for our many Sunday and Monday nights together you make me proud to wear my jersey.Come football season.I am glad God gave me the opportunely to be able to watch such a great man.Who can do great things on a team that is made of great people. Congratulations on your Hall of fame!
Love,
Faithful 4life =)
By john vargas on Aug 6, 2010 | Reply
thanks jerry for all the memorys you are the greatest to ever play the game…
By SF Mom on Aug 6, 2010 | Reply
What makes this special is that Jerry Rice is being honored because of his hardworking ethic, talent and grace, on and off the field. He treated his teamates and rivals with respect, and he garnered much in return. Unlike some current players (you know who they are), Jerry used his exceptional abilities to “speak” for him and did have to use his mouth to tell everyone how great of a player he was. We fans have the memories and historians have the statistics that prove that. Kudos to Jerry Rice on this special honor. Well deserved.
By Nv Niner Fan on Aug 6, 2010 | Reply
Thank you Mr. Rice!!! You Deserve this as much as anyone that has ever played the game and I look forward to hearing your induction speach. You gave us (the 49er family) your heart and soul during your time here and I can’t thank you enough. See you Sep 20th, GO NINERS!!!!!
By Ed Garcia on Aug 6, 2010 | Reply
I saw many, many of Jerry’s games at the Stick. I met him at a mall in San Jose last year and talked to him for 15 or 20 minutes. . When I shook hands with him I noticed what large hands he has. No wonder he could snag balls with one hand.
He not only is a great football player but a great person as well. There was never any doubt that he would make it to the HOF.
Congratulations Jerry!!
By Peter on Aug 6, 2010 | Reply
Was privileged to watch his games. Jerry didn’t care about personal bests, he just wanted to win, which he did game after game. Congrats Mr. Rice!
By Brianiner on Aug 7, 2010 | Reply
I can’t think of another player in the NFL who deserves this more. Congratulations to Mr. Rice!
By irvin on Aug 7, 2010 | Reply
hats off to the greatest reciever ever hands down rice #80 u are the reason i love the 49ers now bless u always faithful 49er fan.
By jim999 on Aug 7, 2010 | Reply
Football has 2 Babe Ruths: Jim Brown and Jerry Rice. I’ve seen both play and they were clearly the best ever. This is Jerry’s turn to be recognized for the phenom that he is. There has never been a receiver like him and his on-the-field records are other worldly. What a great ball player.
By Corinne on Aug 7, 2010 | Reply
My husband and I attended every 49er home game and superbowl from 1980 to 2007. We saw all the ups and the downs, but the best sight of all was the the many passes from both Montana and Young to Rice. Jerry was poetry in motion. Thank you for all you gave to us.
By james davila on Aug 7, 2010 | Reply
Jerry Rice to me is the best receiver ever bar-none,he was the smartest route runner,new his assignments and always new where the ball was gonna be.Jerry has class on and of the field,on the field jerry had the best hands in the game and his work ethic was one of the best.So tonight Mr. Jerry Rice will finally get his hall of fame jacket which i knew he was gonna receive all the time, so congratulations!!!! sincerely hard core to the bone 49er fan always and forever!!!!!
By Paul Miron on Aug 8, 2010 | Reply
Thanks Jerry!! You’re the reason I love the niners and football. and you could still play. Good luck on the course
By Randy on Aug 8, 2010 | Reply
Jerry Rice I want to congratulate you on something that was emanate. Getting into the Hall Of Fame. You are the best and it will be along time for anyone to compare to you or break any ONE of your records. I grew up watching you Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, Dwight Clark, Roger Craig, and the rest of the 49ers old and new players. My brothers are 49er fans my wife is a 49er fan and all her family are 49er fans. We are grateful to you Jerry Rice for your dedication and love for the game. I pray one day I will meet you and shake you hand to tell you exactly that face to face.
Again Jerry Rice congratulations from my wife and I. You are the Best that there is and always will be. May God continue to bless you and your Family.
Randy and Laurie Rebardo
By bob brownsword on Aug 8, 2010 | Reply
sorry i couldnt be there still wanted to thank you for all the great memories i saw them all even the ones with the raiders you even gave me one last good memory with out you even knowing it. seeing joe and steve together is long overdue maybe the three of you could do something for nfl films im sure sabol wouldnt mind.