Receiver Jerry Rice just moments ago officially became the fourth first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer from the 49ers' core group of the 1980s and '90s.
Rice joins Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott and Steve Young as 49ers stars elected in their first year of eligibility. Rice last played for the Seahawks in 2004. He went to training camp with the Broncos in 2005 but did not make it to the regular season. Therefore, his Hall-of-Fame five-year clock began ticking in 2004.
Linebacker Rickey Jackson, who played the 1994 and '95 seasons with the 49ers and earned a Super Bowl ring, was also elected to the Hall of Fame.
Others selected as part of the Hall of Fame class of 2010 were: running back Emmitt Smith, guard Russ Grimm, defensive tackle John Randle, as well as defensive back and coach Dick LeBeau and running back Floyd Little.
The day began with 17 finalists, but only four to seven can be elected for Hall of Fame enshrinement. Former 49ers Roger Craig and Charles Haley were not among those to make the cut from 15 modern-day candidates to 10.
Defensive lineman Richard Dent, who spent one year employed by the 49ers and a great run with the Chicago Bears, did not make the cut from 10 to five.
The merits of the 17 finalists were debated in the room this morning in
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Rice announced that former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo will introduce him at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio, this summer.
There was little doubt Rice -- considered one of the best players in the history of the NFL, at any position -- would be chosen on the first ballot. He was selected to the Pro Bowl 13 times, and he was a 10-time All-Pro honoree. He holds nearly every significant receiving record in league history. Among Rice's NFL records are:
Career receptions: 1,549
Career receiving yards: 22,895
Career receiving TDs: 197
Career TDs: 208
Most consecutive games, receiving TD: 13 (1986-87)
Career yards from scrimmage: 23,540
Career all-purpose yards: 23,546
Most seasons, 50 or more receptions: 17
Most consecutive games, pass receptions: 274
Most seasons, 1,000 or more receiving yards: 14
Most yards receiving, season: 1,848 (1995)
Most games, 100 or more yards receiving: 76
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Congrats, no one more deserving.
That was a lock -thanks for the great years Jerry!
congrats #80....
Congrats Jerry! Matt what are the odds of the 49ers playing in the HOF game with Rice and Jackson both being elected? That would give us an extra preseason game!
John Randle over Roger Craig? Really?
How about John Randle over Charles Haley?
Sir Charles has 5 rings with 2 teams, what has Randle ever done besides being a Pro Bowler? Totally ridiculous in my opinion. That committe missed the boat on that choice over Haley. But congrats to Jerry Rice, that was a No-brainer.
Who calls Charles Haley Sir Charles?
Haley belongs in the HOF, but having 5 SB Rings and playing in the PB isn't what gets you into the HOF.
I bet it was the 137.5 sacks and 556 tackles that got Randle in.
Haley had 100.5 and 485.
Flash 80!! You're the man, Jerry! Congrats, and thanks for the memories!
Comment: Haley belongs in the HOF, but having 5 SB Rings and playing in the PB isn't what gets you into the HOF. I bet it was the 137.5 sacks and 556 tackles that got Randle in. Haley had 100.5 and 485.
My response: Not only that, but Randle was voted first-team All-Pro six times, while Haley was a first-team All-Pro twice. Haley will get in, but I have no qualms with Randle going into the Hall of Fame. It's well-deserved. --Matt M.
How about John Randle over Charles Haley?
Dude, put down the haterade... John Randle was one of the greatest interior defensive linemen of his generation. I'd take him over Haley 10 times out of 10.
And I'm sure Haley will, eventually, get in. But Randle was better, not only did he have more sacks than Haley. But Randle had more sacks by an interior lineman in the history of the NFL and is tied with Richard Dent for 5th in all-time sacking.
Seriously, before you whine know what you're talking about. It's so bloody annoying to read these petulent whines by myopic 49er fans...
So, for the record, the rest of the NFL does exist... And not all 49ers were "the best" at what they did... And the 49ers were a second-rate team for their first 35+ years and the only thing that changed it was Bill Walsh.
Oh please... Not another one...
Know what you're talking about before you whine... You won't look so petulant and ignorant...
For a DL, there was no one more talented AND colorful than John Randle. A non-stop motor, both in his play and his mouth! Before Chad Johnson, there was definitely John Randle.
Haley and Craig can wait for the next train. First class seats will be waiting for them.
I wanted Haley to get in, but I have no problem with Randle. He was a great player.
I hope Matt is right and Haley does eventually get in. He certainly deserves it.
I also hope the voters judge Charles on his merits as a player, and not on his well chronicled antics.
And the best part, I will be seeing the ceremony live. I bought my tickets today for the Hall of Fame.
Randle used to crack me up with his "Red rover, red rover, why don't you come the fluck over".
Good one Razor!
I hope that Jerry was unanimous as 1st choice on everyones ballot !!!
Probably the last 49er for many years......