California Sunshine
09-05-2005, 05:51 PM
By EDDIE PELLS, AP Sports Writer
September 5, 2005
DENVER (AP) -- Unwilling to be a bit player with the Broncos, Jerry Rice retired Monday, closing a 20-year career for the most productive receiver in NFL history.
Rice, 42, made his decision over the weekend at home in San Francisco, then returned to Broncos headquarters and met with coach Mike Shanahan. He played 20 NFL seasons.
``This is a happy day,'' he said. ``I think the tears that you see basically is that I have really enjoyed this ride.''
Shanahan confirmed what Rice already knew -- that he would be a fourth or fifth receiver, at best this season -- and Rice confirmed what many figured -- that he would rather call it quits than be a bit player with the Broncos.
September 5, 2005
DENVER (AP) -- Unwilling to be a bit player with the Broncos, Jerry Rice retired Monday, closing a 20-year career for the most productive receiver in NFL history.
Rice, 42, made his decision over the weekend at home in San Francisco, then returned to Broncos headquarters and met with coach Mike Shanahan. He played 20 NFL seasons.
``This is a happy day,'' he said. ``I think the tears that you see basically is that I have really enjoyed this ride.''
Shanahan confirmed what Rice already knew -- that he would be a fourth or fifth receiver, at best this season -- and Rice confirmed what many figured -- that he would rather call it quits than be a bit player with the Broncos.