Countdown to 2020: Best Raiders player to wear No. 80 all-time
Countdown to 2020: Best Raiders player to wear No. 80 all-time
Jerry Rice (2001-2004)
Jerry Rice is of course most known for the 16 years he spent with the San Francisco 49ers from 1985-2000 but he is quite beloved in Raider Nation as well. Rice was released by the 49ers at the age of 38 and it seemed like his career may be over as his numbers dwindled in his final two years in San Francisco.
When he joined their cross-bay rivals, his career was rejuvenated and he put up an absurd stretch at 39 and 40 years old in 2001 and 2002. Over those two seasons, Rice accounted for 175 catches, 2,350 yards, 16 touchdowns, and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2002.
The player many consider to be the greatest football player of all time had found new life in Oakland and helped the franchise make their way back to the Super Bowl for the first time in nearly two decades.
Jerry Rice is yet another example in the storied history of the organization of a player who was given up on or considered washed up by their previous team but was able to to shine once again in Silver and Black. The Raiders chapter of his glorious career was a short one but it was incredibly memorable for both Rice and Raider Nation.
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He will forever be linked to the 49ers for all he did but take a trip to a Raiders game and you’ll spot plenty of RICE 80 jerseys dotted throughout the crowd. Not many teams can say they had the true GOAT line up for them and make a difference and the Raiders are one of them and we were lucky to have him.