If “Greatest Wide Receiver in Football History” were put to a vote, Jerry Rice would win unanimously. Statistically speaking, one can make the case he was the greatest football player ever. The San Francisco 49ers recognized his talent at Mississippi Valley State, trading up to take him with the 16th pick in the 1985 draft. Over the next 16 years he rewarded the Niner faithful with three Super Bowls. When he finally retired after 20 seasons, Rice held an unfathomable 38 NFL records. He remains the all-time leader in touchdowns (208) and TD catches (197), receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895) and yards from scrimmage (23,540).
In 1994, Rice teamed with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Young for one of the greatest campaigns in team history. After hauling in a (then) career-best 112 balls for 13 TD's and 1,499 yard, Rice led the 13-3 Niners into the playoffs where they defeated the Bears, Cowboys, and the San Diego Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX by an emphatic score of 49-26. All Jerry did in that game was record 10 catches for 149 yards and 3 TD's. Presented here is one of his game-worn home jerseys from that special championship season. It comes directly from the personal collection of Rice's 49ers teammate, starting cornerback Eric Davis, with a letter signed by Rice himself confirming the gift. Davis attests to the shirt being donned by "JR" (as he calls him) in Week 8 against Tampa Bay. The Niners routed the Bucs, 41-16, at Candlestick Park as Rice was held in check with four receptions for 57 yards. Ricky Watters led the Niners offense that day.
The red nylon/mesh has been tailored to Rice’s specifications with elastic sleeves. It bears his iconic number "80" front and back in white-on-black tackle twill. "RICE" appears in white tackle twill across a red nameplate on the upper back. Three white stripes have been applied to the sleeves, both of which feature a trademark Wilson "W" in white. Adorning the left chest is the colorful NFL 75th Anniversary logo patch. Rice has signed the back '0' in 9/10 black marker. Wilson tagging is on the left front tail with a size 46 flap tag. The jersey displays light-to-moderate wear with evident stretching and some frayed threads. The 10/23/94 home game vs. Tampa Bay (Getty 77052293) was one of three games in 1994 that Rice wore a red home jersey without the NFL shield logo patch sewn on the front collar and the top of the 75th Anniv. patch aligned along the upper chest seam; the other two were 9/18 at L.A. Rams (Getty 354711) and 9/25 vs. New Orleans (Getty 82507402). It is a well-known fact -- supported by Eric Davis -- that Rice often changed jerseys at halftime because he wanted to look clean, making it quite possible that this jersey was worn in multiple games.
LOA signed by Jerry Rice to Eric Davis. LOA from Beckett for autograph.