Rice wants to end career with Broncos

[Ballhawk]

Rice wants to end career with Broncos
Associated Press
National Football League News Wire

DENVER -- After years in the spotlight, Jerry Rice wants to enjoy the twilight.

More concerned with having fun than trying to live up to the expectations thrust upon football's greatest receiver, Rice was hungry for a 21st season.

That's why he signed with the Denver Broncos, who aren't rolling out the red carpet, but are simply asking him to come in, try to make the team and, if he does, to help them win a Super Bowl.

"For so many years there was so much pressure on me," Rice said Thursday in a telephone interview with reporters in Denver. "I had to set a certain standard and I still carry on that standard. But I had a lot of weight on my shoulders. I had blinders on. I couldn't hear the crowd. I couldn't hear them chanting my name and I couldn't see little kids in the stands. I was so focused on what I had to do."

The last couple of years, though, he has been more of a role player.

"The ball was not coming my way every down and I'm really enjoying the game and having fun," he said.

Rice, who agreed to a one-year contract with Denver on Wednesday, concedes that at 42, he'll never play at the level that made him the most productive receiver in NFL history. But there are signs things might not be over. Last year, splitting time between Oakland and Seattle, he averaged 14.3 yards a catch, which was only a half-yard less than his career average.

He is still in shape. Can still get open. The legs have lost some of their zip, but his heart certainly hasn't. Many times during his engaging, 30-minute long conversation Thursday, he sounded more like an excited rookie than a grizzled veteran.

"I don't think it really has set in yet," he said. "With everything that is going on, the excitement, is great. ... I'm not sleeping right now. I am working out hard. I'm trying to get myself ready and I can wait to get reacquainted with Mike Shanahan."

Rice will begin working for Shanahan when he reports to a voluntary minicamp next Wednesday.

Shanahan was Rice's offensive coordinator at San Francisco from 1992-94 -- a span that included three playoff berths and one Super Bowl win, the third of Rice's career. Like the other coaches in the league, Shanahan received the e-mail from Rice's agent, Jim Steiner, letting everyone know that the "GOAT" -- Greatest Of All Time -- was available and wanted to play in 2005.

How good might Rice be? Even Shanahan isn't sure of that, which is why he made it clear that no roster spot is guaranteed, a caveat Rice agreed upon without hesitation.

"I don't think you know what anybody can do until they are actually in," Shanahan said. "Being around him enough, I know how dedicated he is and how he takes care of himself and how he played last year. Now, I have a chance to see him firsthand. He will be a plus for our team and hopefully he can still play at the level that can help us win."

Shanahan views the Broncos as a team on the cusp of a championship, and it's why he has spent the offseason plugging a few holes here and there instead of revamping. He doesn't view Rice's presence as a possible distraction, only as a possible help for a team that has missed a productive third and fourth receiver over the past few seasons.

Rice, meanwhile, doesn't want to be the center of attention, wants "to keep this low-key as possible." One of the most-asked questions since his signing is whether he would ask Rod Smith, Denver's all-time leading receiver, for jersey No. 80.

"I'm not going to fight for that jersey," Rice said. "Rod is the guy there and deserves to keep that number."

Smith also will continue to be Denver's No. 1 receiver and it's likely Ashley Lelie will be No. 2.

"He's someone to learn from," Lelie said. "He's been there and done it. He's been doing it at a high level for such a long time.

"If he asked for my number, I'd give it to him."

Really, though, it's not about the number -- or the numbers. Rice has, indeed, already been there and done that.

This is about taking a final lap around the league, and doing it with a team he thinks has a good chance of making it a victory lap.

"It's the enjoyment of it," Rice said. "People walking up to tell me how I bring excitement to their day. I take pride in that, and the competition."

[Jason in LA]

If he makes the team he'll get a good send off. I was at the final game at the old Mile High. It was Rice's last game as a Niner. The entire crowd chanted his name as he ran off the field. It was a good jesture. Who knew he'd come back to hurt us the next year with the Raiders?

Think about it like this. Every play he makes, he breaking the records. A Bronco is will be breaking the records for receiving yards, receptions, and TDs. I can go with that.

[-Slap-]

Rice wants to end career with Broncos

He would just prefer it not end in August.

[BroncoManCanuck]

I think Rice will get at least 30 grabs this year. If you look at his stats, they are great for his age right now.

[Rigs11]

And all you guys made such a big deal about the number :hitself:

[Merlin]

I think Rice will get at least 30 grabs this year. If you look at his stats, they are great for his age right now.
Too many people cite his receptions for last year as if it woud be an indicator for this year. Well, last year, against some of the worse defenses around and with a great offense he catched a grand total of how many balls in the last 4 games?

Zero. In the playoff game, against the lambs he caught _nothing_, not even a cold. So I would not be so quick to base any predictions on his total catches for the year.


Merlin

[BroncoManCanuck]

Too many people cite his receptions for last year as if it woud be an indicator for this year. Well, last year, against some of the worse defenses around and with a great offense he catched a grand total of how many balls in the last 4 games?

Zero. In the playoff game, against the lambs he caught _nothing_, not even a cold. So I would not be so quick to base any predictions on his total catches for the year.


Merlin
Remember the 8 grabs for 100+ yards and a couple TDs, one was a sweet one-hander. Not bad for a 42 year old.

[Merlin]

Remember the 8 grabs for 100+ yards and a couple TDs, one was a sweet one-hander. Not bad for a 42 year old.
As I said, in his final 4 games his grand total receptions equal zilch, nada, niente.

Merlin

[BroncoManCanuck]

As I said, in his final 4 games his grand total receptions equal zilch, nada, niente.

Merlin
He can't help it if the QB doesn't throw to him. Besides, before that, K. Robinsion was hurt and suspended. When he came back, thats when Rice wasn't getting any.

[Odysseus]

When was the last time the Broncos had a legitimate three WR threat? If the rookies get the right workout ethic from this deal then it's a win. Maybe he can share some stuff with Tuten.

Jerry is intent on enjoying this year so despite all the chatter about him not helping other players I think this represents something new. He's like a WR coach on the field. Maybe he's looking at coaching since he can't turn the motor off. Singletary is coaching for the 49ers. I think it might be a good addition depending on his attitude.

I was checking some fantasy football sites and I see Plummer's name popping up in the top ten for this year. I think that is realistic given some of the maturation on offense.

[BroncoManCanuck]

When was the last time the Broncos had a legitimate three WR threat? If the rookies get the right workout ethic from this deal then it's a win. Maybe he can share some stuff with Tuten.

Jerry is intent on enjoying this year so despite all the chatter about him not helping other players I think this represents something new. He's like a WR coach on the field. Maybe he's looking at coaching since he can't turn the motor off. Singletary is coaching for the 49ers. I think it might be a good addition depending on his attitude.

I was checking some fantasy football sites and I see Plummer's name popping up in the top ten for this year. I think that is realistic given some of the maturation on offense.
After this season, and Rice retires, wouldn't it be amazing if he became our WR coach.

[Merlin]

After this season, and Rice retires, wouldn't it be amazing if he became our WR coach.
There is absolutely no evidence that he would be any good as a coach or that he would want to have anything to do with it.

Merlin

[Merlin]

He can't help it if the QB doesn't throw to him. Besides, before that, K. Robinsion was hurt and suspended. When he came back, thats when Rice wasn't getting any.
If he can't catch any balls competing with the Seattle receivers and against the teams he played in the last 4 games (especially in the lambs), there is little reason to think he would do better here (although KC and OR defence would probably oblige ;) )

Merlin

[BroncoManCanuck]

There is absolutely no evidence that he would be any good as a coach or that he would want to have anything to do with it.

Merlin
NO EVIDENCE! This guy is the greatest person in the world who ever played WR. Tell me again thats not evidence.

[Merlin]

NO EVIDENCE! This guy is the greatest person in the world who ever played WR. Tell me again thats not evidence.
Tell me, how many of the greats in any sport have gone into coaching and done well. I appreciate you being a :homer: and loving your Broncos, but being the greatest athlete at any position has rarely if ever translated into becoming a good coach. And we have not even addressed matters of his ego into this discussion.

Merlin

[Blueflame]

NO EVIDENCE! This guy is the greatest person in the world who ever played WR. Tell me again thats not evidence.

Being able to play the game well does not necessarily automatically translate into the desire or ability to coach other athletes. And vice-versa... sometimes guys are very successful at coaching despite not having the physical gifts to play the game.

[BroncoManCanuck]

Being able to play the game well does not necessarily automatically translate into the desire or ability to coach other athletes. And vice-versa... sometimes guys are very successful at coaching despite not having the physical gifts to play the game.
But this guy knows everything about being a WR. I say perfect coach.

[Merlin]

But this guy knows everything about being a WR. I say perfect coach.
Why? Being great at any athletic endeavor has NEVER guaranteed a person making a great coach. Have you ever coached any sport at any level? Do you know anything about coaching?

Merlin

[Blueflame]

But this guy knows everything about being a WR. I say perfect coach.

Again, having the skill to do something (like play WR at the pro level) and having the patience and ability to teach others how to do it are two different things.

[Odysseus]

Being able to play the game well does not necessarily automatically translate into the desire or ability to coach other athletes. And vice-versa... sometimes guys are very successful at coaching despite not having the physical gifts to play the game.

Man! You really hate this guy. Listen. You are absolutely correct on this. Having skills and teaching skills are two different skills. The Broncos train coaches. I'll pick on Dennison since that is consistent for me. Can Rice train WR? Don't know. He hasn't even suited up yet. Will he be given the chance? That is up to Rice whether he shows an aptitude for this or not.

I don't think Rice is the greatest WR ever. I don't care what the record books say. I don't think he's that big of an impact player (Edit: Today) or even worth the attention we are showering on him. I originally thought it was a joke that he would play for us. I looked into the reasoning and don't think it's a bad deal. He wins. We win. He loses. We don't care.

When the Broncos faced the 49ers that year I told everyone I was picking Broncos but I had the right to change my mind in the first five minutes of the game. I had a $500.00 bet down and cancelled it when the Broncos came out out of the tunnel. The look in John Elway's eye is all I needed. I said "All bets are off." I got my beer and went into the other room. They came looking for me around the half and wanted to know how I knew. If you take the time and read a book entitled Blink you will know what I know.

[Hogan11]

Again, having the skill to do something (like play WR at the pro level) and having the patience and ability to teach others how to do it are two different things.

See Bart Starr for another example of this........great QB, lousy coach.

[bloodsunday]

And all you guys made such a big deal about the number :hitself:
It could still be a big deal. There could be an implied pressure on Rod to at least consider offering it to Rice. Look at how much the Avs kissed the water that Ray Borque walked on. Sakic offered him the captancy and would have offered him his number had he worn 77. Sakic had as much credibility as Rod does.

[bloodsunday]

I think Rice will get at least 30 grabs this year. If you look at his stats, they are great for his age right now.
I doubt he grabs 30, unless somehow he unseats Watts. How many #4 WR in the league caught 30 balls? When was the last time a Denver #4 WR caught 30 balls? Watts only caught 30 as our #3 last year.

[bloodsunday]

As I said, in his final 4 games his grand total receptions equal zilch, nada, niente.

Merlin
His role dimenished when K-Rob got back on the field. There are many Seattle fans that wish the pass in the endzone (to win that playoff game) was to Rice instead of D-Jack. Rice wasn't even on the field. I think Rice is a great addition in 3rd downs and the redzone. But, truthfully if the rest of our offense comes along the way I hope, I am not sure our #4 will get on the field much. I'd like to see our tightend play improve from Alexander and Putz before we start using 4 WR sets.

[baja]

Rice could be a go to kind of guy on third down or at least be a decoy that would have to be watched closely

[bloodsunday]

There is absolutely no evidence that he would be any good as a coach or that he would want to have anything to do with it.

Merlin
He has pretty much admitted that he doesn't want that. I don't even expect him to be a mentor or a coach on the field. I think the team can learn plenty by just watching him and learning by example. Maybe the "new" Rice that has learned to accept his role can do it, but he was not a good candidate to be a mentor last year.

[Raiders Rock]

Well, this thread is pretty much a no sh!tter huh?

HE IS 42 FREAKIN YEARS OLD PEOPLE!!

Geezus, I have never seen more home grown homers in one place in my life.

[baja]

He has pretty much admitted that he doesn't want that. I don't even expect him to be a mentor or a coach on the field. I think the team can learn plenty by just watching him and learning by example. Maybe the "new" Rice that has learned to accept his role can do it, but he was not a good candidate to be a mentor last year.

Time will tell but you can afford to be helpful to competing receivers when you know it's your last hurrah besides Rice loves football and now that he sees the end of his career he may see coaching as a way to stay around the game and have a change of heart on the coaching thing. Thing is Rice is a winner and that has value.

[baja]

Well, this thread is pretty much a no sh!tter huh?

HE IS 42 FREAKIN YEARS OLD PEOPLE!!

Geezus, I have never seen more home grown homers in one place in my life.

At least we "homer" on our own board what does it say about a guy that reads worthless homer threads on a rival's board in May?

[DivineLegion]

I kinnda just wanna see the season start so we can find the awnsers to all these nagging questions...

[Rock Chalk]

There is absolutely no evidence that he would be any good as a coach or that he would want to have anything to do with it.

Merlin
Well you're just bubbling with optimism.

There is absolutely no evidence that he would be any worse than what we have as a secondary coach either.

[SJ Bronco]

Im against him being a player in the uniform I cherish. The guy has laughed at us during superbowls and then became a raider!

HOWEVER,

He is not only a good coach he's a great coach! Ask any rookie that has come in to play near him. It seemed the niners were growing WR's on trees till he left. The Raiders rookie Recievers looked like they were gonna be great...till he left. The media in SF wouldn't shut up about how he teaches these kids work ethic that takes most NFL players years to learn, therfore imporving the learning curve for rookies. T.O. credits his entire workout to J.R. and JJ Stokes hasn't ben heard from since he stopped working out with Rice. Rices workouts are leagend around here. My hope is that he brings some of our rookies out here to the east bay hills and shows them the light!. He has formatted drills for WR's that have ben copied around the leauge by coaches because they work! He was born to coach gentleman, and he likes it.

BTW- some one said name one great player that made a good coach. I'll name two right off the top of my head, although I know if I thought for min I could think of more. Mike singletary is being rumored to be on of the next great coaches. Hes already made allstars from scratch at LB, and Dave stewart of the oakland A's went to toronto and changed that pitching staff into winners.

[Merlin]

Well you're just bubbling with optimism.
There is absolutely no evidence that he would be any worse than what we have as a secondary coach either.
Actually there is ample evidence. Historically he has never shown the attributes of a good coach. Further, great athletes have very rarely been able to make a transition to being a coach, much less being a great coach.

BTW, great Avatar of Angelina Jolie.

Merlin

[Merlin]

BTW- some one said name one great player that made a good coach. I'll name two right off the top of my head, although I know if I thought for min I could think of more. Mike singletary is being rumored to be on of the next great coaches. Hes already made allstars from scratch at LB, and Dave stewart of the oakland A's went to toronto and changed that pitching staff into winners.
First off, Rice's influence on other WR has always been in relation to his workout ethic and leading by example, never as a coach. As to Mike Singletary, time will tell. Stewart was a good pitcher, not a great one. We are talking about the greats here. Your inability to come up with a handful out of hundreds of great athletes in different sports validates my point. Coaching is not about how great you played. It is about teaching, and teaching to an individual's strengths and weaknesses. There is no relationship between being a superlative athlete and being a great coach. However, look at how many great coaches never even made it to the professional ranks, and if they did they were mediocre at best.

Merlin

[SJ Bronco]

Your wrong. In this case, the norm means nothing on the individual. BTW Stewart was a great pitcher. And singletary doesn't need time. Ask anyone in the NFL right now who the best linebackers coach in the leauge is.

His work ethic is not something that just rubbed off. Dude have you ever lived the bay area? He makes it a point to challenge rookies and new free agents (G.Hearst) to work out with him. He had INVENTED drills for WR's that coaches immulate! Dude, hes ben a coach for years! He has taught his approach. He didn;t just show up and put up numbers. Everyone here in the bay knows about it. Its the stuff of leagend. Every year some Rookie shows up in the paper commenting on how JR is a great teacher. True, this quality didn't hit him till his later years, but then again, thats what it means to mature.

[Rock Chalk]

Actually there is ample evidence. Historically he has never shown the attributes of a good coach. Further, great athletes have very rarely been able to make a transition to being a coach, much less being a great coach.

BTW, great Avatar of Angelina Jolie.

Merlin

No, there is not ample evidence. There is ample evidence that supports that other recievers may not be good coaches, but who gives a **** about them. Rice is the greatest receiver to ever play and whether he knows it or not, his skill and career alone are qualifications for coaching.

now I dont know whether he wants to coach after football or not, I dont really care, but all you have done in your 80 posts is make assertions and blanket assumptions without any facts to back them up. Thats fine and dandy, lord knows you arent the only one on the board that does it, but when its CONSTANTLY negative against the Broncos, well, its just annoying as ****. You remind me of a slightly more intelligent version of ya "I cant spell 'your'" voon. Or, worse yet, telluride.

We have enough doom and gloomers. We damn sure dont need no newb coming in here with that negative vibe. Far be it from me to ask you to be a little more positive, but dont expect a whole lot of respect from anyone around here if you cant say at least a few things positive here and there.

[baja]

Your wrong. In this case, the norm means nothing on the individual. BTW Stewart was a great pitcher. And singletary doesn't need time. Ask anyone in the NFL right now who the best linebackers coach in the leauge is.

His work ethic is not something that just rubbed off. Dude have you ever lived the bay area? He makes it a point to challenge rookies and new free agents (G.Hearst) to work out with him. He had INVENTED drills for WR's that coaches immulate! Dude, hes ben a coach for years! He has taught his approach. He didn;t just show up and put up numbers. Everyone here in the bay knows about it. Its the stuff of leagend. Every year some Rookie shows up in the paper commenting on how JR is a great teacher. True, this quality didn't hit him till his later years, but then again, thats what it means to mature.

Thanks SJ I did not know that about Rice that makes this signing all the better Shanny maybe be looking for one good year from jerry and then move him into coaching the WRs and use this year to evaluate that possibility

[Merlin]

No, there is not ample evidence. There is ample evidence that supports that other recievers may not be good coaches, but who gives a **** about
fine and dandy, lord knows you arent the only one on the board that does it, but when its CONSTANTLY negative against the Broncos, well, its just annoying as ****. You remind me of a slightly more intelligent version of ya "I cant spell 'your'" voon. Or, worse yet, telluride.
We have enough doom and gloomers. We damn sure dont need no newb coming in here with that negative vibe. Far be it from me to ask you to be a little more positive, but dont expect a whole lot of respect from anyone around here if you cant say at least a few things positive here and there.
So what if he is the greatest WR in history, stick to the facts. You state that I make blanket statements without backing them up, yet I have backed my statement, and your way of rebutting it is by making some adolescent statement along the lines of "so what if no one is done it before, he is the best so he can do it, I don't care if no one has done it before, he can do it". Now that is the logic of a Newbie. You don't judge people by their number of posts, or how long they have been posting, but by the quality of their posts. Your logic in the above statement is circular and is supports none of your claims.

Now, as to my attitude regarding the Broncos, obviously you need some remedial reading lessons because your reading comprehension leaves much to be desired. In my posts I have predicted that the Broncos will win the division and will have a record of 11 wins or better. Moreover, I don't bash Shanahan because I like him a great deal as a coach. In fact I consider him one of top 4 or 5 in the league. There is a major difference between being an adolescent, uncritical hommer boy, and being a positive fan that likes the team and recognizes its strengths and weaknesses. Now as to Rice, the record speaks for itself. You want to place him on a pedestal that no other great athlete has ever achieved in any sport, and I am measuring him by the ruler of all great athletes.

Finally, it is laughable that you accuse me of not relying on facts, which I have, yet you want your statements to stand on their own despite all evidence in history to the contrary.

As to D. Stewart being a GREAT pitcher, give me a break. He was a good pitcher, nothing else. Lets examine his record:

Win-Loss 168-129 that is a winning record a little over 500. Not even 200 total wins despite playing a number of years for the Oakland A's during the bash brother years.

ERA 3.95- Mediocre at best if you want to compare him to the great pitchers in history

The closest to he came to winning the Cy Young was being a candidate in 1987.

You think those stats make him a great pitcher Hilarious! ROFL! Hilarious! ROFL!

Not once in his career was he considered the best pitcher in his league, even the years when he had the A's bash brothers backing him up, yet you want to compare him to the greats? Better yet, you are comparing him to arguably the best football player to ever put on a uniform? There is a huge difference between being a major sized :homer: :homer: and trying to assess reality with a little scrutiny.

Merlin