Largent, (U.S. House of Representatives (R, Okla.) who basically owned almost every WR record in NFL football before Rice came in the league, had his number retired by the Seahawks upon his retirement. Well, Largent gave the Seahawks the blessing to un-retire his number so that the guy that broke all Largents records could wear his number.
Jerry, teach our guys to catch the ball please.
KIRKLAND - Number 80 is back for the Seahawks. Jerry Rice has worn #80 throughout his NFL career, and in an extraordinary move he will continue to do so with the Seahawks. Rice spoke with Steve Largent seeking permission to wear Largent's retired #80, and Largent gave his immediate approval.
"He just told me, ‘Jerry, if you want to wear the #80, you have my blessing'," said Rice at his press conference Tuesday. "When he said that it sent chills through my body, because I know what he has done for this city, and when you think about the Seattle Seahawks you think about Steve Largent. For him to just say that without any hesitation, that I could wear his jersey, that meant the world to me.” Jerry Rice press conference
Rice is in his 20th NFL season, and while he may be 42 in age, he says he doesn't feel a day over 28. What's his secret?
"I think it has a lot to do with my work ethic and my approach to the game, just the pride," says Rice. "I still enjoy what I do, during the off-season the way I sacrifice, the way I work hard, the way I prepare myself. Once the season starts I am in tip-top shape and I still believe I can run that 9-route and I can run by these young guys and catch that deep ball, I just haven’t had that many opportunities this year. I think you guys are going to see some good football and a lot of effort out there on the football field.” Career stats
Adding a veteran with such a great winning track record means a lot to a young team, and while Rice may be looked upon for leadership and as a role model, Mike Holmgren says Rice is on the Seahawks roster for one reason.
"We did this to make our football team better," said Holmgren at the press conference. "Any good lessons or role modeling that takes place, in my opinion, is secondary. Jerry came in here to catch passes, to help us win, and that’s his number-one job. I think if some of our guys are mature about it and smart about it they’ll kind of watch how he does stuff. But understand, that’s really not why we brought him in, I brought him in to help us win.”
Steve Largent Bio for you young guys that don't know him[/b] Think "Role model". Something thats rare in the NFL today.
