Rice given opportunity to retire

[BroncosMT]

Jerry Rice was informed Saturday that he made the Broncos roster, but he is being given time to consider retirement if he doesn't want to be Denver's fourth receiver.


Rice is going to take the next couple of days to decide if he wants to play a 21st season. Rice left Denver on Saturday afternoon to contemplate his future and will return within the next day or two.

"Jerry is still on the roster, but he is going to take a few days to think about what he wants to do," said his agent, Jim Steiner. "The Broncos want him to be on the roster, but this might not be the role he would want. He'll have to make a decision in the next couple of days."

The Broncos cut 19 players Saturday to reach the 53-man roster limit. Darius Watts' strong performance in Friday night's 30-21 preseason victory over Arizona won him the No. 3 job behind Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie. Rice had moved ahead of Watts on the depth chart earlier in camp, but Watts' recent push changed the team's thinking.

At 42, Rice has said this would be his final season. Should he not want to be a Bronco, he likely will retire. He did not want to retire in February, so the Seahawks gave him his release. The Broncos signed him and gave him a chance to be a backup.

In 20 seasons, Rice has 1,549 receptions for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns.




I'm thinking he will retire and we can pick up a cut from somewhere else

[Clockwork Orange]

Take a look at the game tape Jerry. You're done.

[MNBronco]

Take a look at the game tape Jerry. You're done.

No brainer. Why waste a plane ticket Jerry? Settle back and enjoy, man. You've earned it.

[bloodsunday]

Please Jerry, say no. Let us go get an O-lineman.

[ludo21]

Jerry be a team-player!!! retire.. for us, the fans, please!

[SoCalBronco]

If he has to think it over for a few days about whether he feels ok with being a no. 4, he should be cut right now. He has already been done a huge favor being kept over about 5 or 6 guys who deserved it more. WTF is this, go see whether you would be "okay with being no.4".

Just do the right thing and hang it up, Goat.

[UKBronco]

If he has to think it over for a few days about whether he feels ok with being a no. 4, he should be cut right now. He has already been done a huge favor being kept over about 5 or 6 guys who deserved it more. WTF is this, go see whether you would be "okay with being no.4".

Just do the right thing and hang it up, Goat.

Amen to that, 19 guys have just had their hearts broken by being cut, and they've given a roster spot to someone who might not even want to play?????

I would be seething right now if i was one of those guys.....in fact i am seething right now! ~Popps~

[Blueflame]

I honestly don't see what Rice did to earn the #4 spot. From the perspective of having seen all four preseason games... both Devoe and Adams clearly outplayed him. Four catches for under 25 yards in four games absolutely should not be enough to secure a roster spot.

If Rice accepts the #4 spot (which is where he was originally promised the opportunity to compete), does that mean he'd have to agree to play on special teams? Or would he be a "situational" player who's only on the field when we run the 5-WR empty backfield sets?

[bloodsunday]

If he has to think it over for a few days about whether he feels ok with being a no. 4, he should be cut right now. He has already been done a huge favor being kept over about 5 or 6 guys who deserved it more. WTF is this, go see whether you would be "okay with being no.4".

Just do the right thing and hang it up, Goat.
I agree 100%. Who needs a #4 WR that can't play special teams and can't get open. This is Shanny letting his past interfer with running our team -- unless he already knows who he's bringing on-board.

[ludo21]

I honestly don't see what Rice did to earn the #4 spot. From the perspective of having seen all four preseason games... both Devoe and Adams clearly outplayed him. Four catches for under 25 yards in four games absolutely should not be enough to secure a roster spot.

If Rice accepts the #4 spot (which is where he was originally promised the opportunity to compete), does that mean he'd have to agree to play on special teams? Or would he be a "situational" player who's only on the field when we run the 5-WR empty backfield sets?


They wont put him on ST. He will only be situational player. And i think Shanny has more faith in Adams and Devoe at the moment, so when the backfield empties i think those guys will be out there before Rice.

Rice dont be an arrogant jerk retire!! :kubiak:

[Jason in LA]

I'm glad to see Shanny isn't doing him favors, like the press made it out to be. All this talk about Clarett and Rice, and one didn't make the first cut, and the other will be riding pine all year if he stays. What are these so called sports writers going to write about now?

[orange crusher]

I'm glad to see Shanny isn't doing him favors, like the press made it out to be. All this talk about Clarett and Rice, and one didn't make the first cut, and the other will be riding pine all year if he stays. What are these so called sports writers going to write about now?

I think he did do him a favor by leaving him on the 53 man roster. I think the whole thing is communicated to the media as it is because they asked him to retire. His agent says that they want him on the team, but I have to question if that is really true. I think they have done him a favor by letting him "retire on his own terms" rather than get cut.

[GonzoLays]

All Denver is doing is cutting Rice in a polite way. They are letting him leave on his own terms. Mike Shanahan doesn't want to cut Rice and let him face the humilation of ending his career by being cut. Simple fact of the matter is that Rice wasn't good enough to make this team at his age and Denver did him a favor by letting him walk away on his own terms.

Chances of Rice coming back, when he really does not have the option: Zilch

We are a classy organization....

[anthonypacino]

If he does stay, it was a no brainer that he would be the number 4, he can't run away from anyone so he could only come in on short yardage and goal line.

[Bronco9798]

If he does stay, it was a no brainer that he would be the number 4, he can't run away from anyone so he could only come in on short yardage and goal line.

We don't need Rice in the red zone with the guys we have. We've done well without him in the red zone so far. Rice will get jammed to much off the line down there.

[clint7]

GAWD! How many times does this dude need to take a break and think things over?

[Rohirrim]

I think he did do him a favor by leaving him on the 53 man roster. I think the whole thing is communicated to the media as it is because they asked him to retire. His agent says that they want him on the team, but I have to question if that is really true. I think they have done him a favor by letting him "retire on his own terms" rather than get cut.

:thumbs up: Yep. Shanny just showing some class. I suspect that Rice retires and Shanny already has his eye on some other WR.

[maven]

Retire! Retire! Retire! 19 players received their pink slip today & you're debating whether you want to be the 4th receiver? GET THE F OUT OF TOWN & RETIRE!

[TheReverend]

Let him make up his own mind. Either decision is good for the team.

[Blueflame]

If he does stay, it was a no brainer that he would be the number 4, he can't run away from anyone so he could only come in on short yardage and goal line.

I don't think I'd have had him penciled in that high (#4) honestly. With the WRs on the roster, I'm afraid I couldn't have put him higher than #6.

[clint7]

Is this what happens when you reach your 40s? You can't ever make up your mind about anything?

"Should I bother to report to camp?"
"Should I bother to stay on the roster as #4 WR?"
"Should I buy a Vet and a hair piece to make me look younger?"

[DrFate]

It will help this team if Rice retires. We don't need a #4 WR who can't even play special teams.

[watermock]

Exactly what makes him the #4 reciever? Wasn't DEVO making more plays, BIG plays. Who can play special teams, Adams or Goat?

This is becoming a distraction and quite frankly, smells of Michael Jackson complex. Just because Jerry smiles and talks about having fun playing the game? Who does that sound like? Being a man among boys is fine....if your a college pro prospect. It's time for Jerry to take what is left of his dignity and ride off to Canton before even more people are laughing behind his back...and Shanny's. This is getting rediculous, and I don't like the distraction. And I'm mad as a hornets nest about cutting Davis and keeping these no name DL.

[GreatBronco16]

Maybe this is Shannys way of cutting Rice without having to cut him???

[labronco]

All Denver is doing is cutting Rice in a polite way. They are letting him leave on his own terms. Mike Shanahan doesn't want to cut Rice and let him face the humilation of ending his career by being cut. Simple fact of the matter is that Rice wasn't good enough to make this team at his age and Denver did him a favor by letting him walk away on his own terms.

Chances of Rice coming back, when he really does not have the option: Zilch

We are a classy organization....


i have to agree. a classy move my shanny. we shouldn't have given him a chance the first place, but shanny is ending it the right way.

[broncohaven]

If he does stay, it was a no brainer that he would be the number 4, he can't run away from anyone so he could only come in on short yardage and goal line.I think it is a no brainer that he'll be the #6 guy in actuality. Devoe and Adams outplayed him also.

[DomCasual]

Whatever happened to, "I am just here to work my hardest at making the squad. Whether that means I am #1 or #5, I just want to be able to contribute."

I wonder if there is more to this story. As in, "Jerry, you aren't going to make the team. What can we do to let you walk away from this with some dignity? How about if we give you a few days to 'think about it' before you come to us and tell us that YOU decided to retire?"

I guess the problem with that is that there is a good player that got cut in his place, and there is a risk that whomever said good player is might get claimed off of waivers before being added back to the roster. Still, I just can't imagine what he is going to add at this point.

I wasn't against signing him. But having seen what he has (or hasn't) been able to contribute in preseason games, I hate the fact that he isn't gone. We cut some solid players - one more than we had to, if it wasn't for Jerry Rice.

Paul

[minibronco]

Hey, when he came here he said he was happy w/ whatever, as long as there was a chance :)

[Rohirrim]

I sure wouldn't be opposed if Jerry want to sign on as Watson's assistant and start a new career in the coaching game. ;D

[Broncojef]

If he does stay after the first week we'll hear...Jerry didn't catch a pass Sunday and is contemplating his future with the Broncos. Please end this crap now, enough already we need another Guard.

[Needa Pass Rush]

"He can't play forever but I'm sure he would've loved for it to work out (in Denver)," Steiner said.

If you pay close attention to the words of his agent, the decision has already been taken (Shanny/Rice?).

[JCMElway]

Who do we pick back up when Rice is cut?

[Liebs]

jerry plays special teams in madden 06, and he lays the hit stick down quite often.

[Odysseus]

Let him make up his own mind. Either decision is good for the team.

Jerry should not be happy to play 4th WR. Even if he earned a 5th slot on our team there is too much talent at our WR slot. Thanks for playing Jerry but it's time to get a coffee at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles.

[Bronco9798]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/Khouck001/250811.jpg

[GreatBronco16]

Here is the link incase it wasn't given.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2151112

[Odysseus]

If Rice retires I think the best pickup for the Broncos is an OG/C that isn't actually lunchmeat with legs.

[Ballhawk]

I can usually find a positive about something but this is rediculous.

[OrangeForceOne]

Jerry....if you give up on this team like you did the Raiders your career will be tainted for ever. Don't **** around Jerry or the Disco Man is going to WOOOO!!!!! your ass of the field. This is Broncos football. We expect you to give it 100%. Tell you what Jerry you should tell Shanny you want in on special teams. They are bagging on you because they say you won't play. That would be classic. The goat on punt return. :alky:

Shanny has choosen his troops. We are heading to war.

What a game at CU today. Couldn't ask for more of a battle.

Master Pain...Brandon was with you guys today without a doubt.

Anyone see the body slam in the first quarter? Looked like Griese getting slapped by his poodle a couple years ago. How the hell did we tolerate Griese for that long? :injured:

I heard we kept Earnster. Shiat...We just need one of the kicker from the CSU or CU game. Alteast they can kick it in the endzone. I hope it's just a hammy holding him back. I'm skeptical. Shanny we'll give you MO and that's pretty damned forgiving.


Disco we made to Sterling Co. Early fishing report is there are small mouth jumping all over!

Sorry about the loss dude. That was harsh. Next tailgate is in CU.

Next tailgate Denver vs SD with www.kronow.com headlining!

Go Broncos!

[chrisp]

Shanny gave a roster spot to Rice becuase he felt he could contribute - preseason doesn't mean so much if a player has done it over and over. They just saw enough to say, yeah not the player he was but he can still do something. He has all the intangibles, the only issue is, does he still want it bad enough?

Don't fret about the guys we cut - there will be roster moves all through the season and sometimes the guys who just squeeze onto the roster don't even suit up for the games anyway. If you can't deal with the heartbreak of being cut then you aren't made of the right stuff. Plus they wouldn't cut anybody they didn't feel they could live without or they couldn't cope with someone else picking up.

Quote:

"I was surprised, but it's part of the business," Griffin told the Broncos' Web site. "You've got to keep on moving."

[OrangeForceOne]

Shanny gave a roster spot to Rice becuase he felt he could contribute - preseason doesn't mean so much if a player has done it over and over. They just saw enough to say, yeah not the player he was but he can still do something. He has all the intangibles, the only issue is, does he still want it bad enough?

Don't fret about the guys we cut - there will be roster moves all through the season and sometimes the guys who just squeeze onto the roster don't even suit up for the games anyway. If you can't deal with the heartbreak of being cut then you aren't made of the right stuff. Plus they wouldn't cut anybody they didn't feel they could live without or they couldn't cope with someone else picking up.

Quote:

"I was surprised, but it's part of the business," Griffin told the Broncos' Web site. "You've got to keep on moving."

So you don't remember when the Raiders were halfway thru their season and Rice said "Well I'm going to focus on my golf game now". Jerry gave up. We don't have any room for cancer on this team. Jerry I wish you luck and wish you the best but we Broncos fans remember. Or atleast some of us do.