American professional football player, who in 1995 became the National Football League (NFL) career record holder for most receiving yards, surpassing the mark of 14,004 yards set by James Lofton. Rice also holds the NFL record for the most career touchdowns. By the end of the 1995 season, he had scored 156 touchdowns.
Born Jerry Lee Rice in Starkville, Mississippi, he became a star receiver at Mississippi Valley State University and set many records for the school, including a college career total of 4693 yards gained as a receiver. He was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 1985 NFL draft.
Becoming one of the best NFL receivers, Rice helped lead the 49ers to three Super Bowl victories (1989, 1990, and 1995). Early in his career he and quarterback Joe Montana formed one of the most effective passing combinations in football history. Later, after Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, Rice teamed with quarterback Steve Young as the 49ers maintained their place as one of the best passing teams in the NFL. Rice was chosen most valuable player (MVP) in the 1989 Super Bowl and was elected to the Pro Bowl numerous times during his career.