Should he or shouldnt he?
perkdog
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in Sports Talk
Does Isaac Bruce Dare To Wear Jerry Rice's No. 80?
Posted Mar 10th 2008 10:16AM by TAN
Filed under: 49ers, NFL Fans, San Francisco
Jerry Rice, often referred to as the "greatest wide receiver to play the game," and sometimes the "greatest football player ever," is amongst the most iconic athletes in sports, let alone NFL history. Despite this legendary status his #80 jersey for the San Francisco 49ers is shockingly not retired. And now the recently signed Isaac Bruce, who himself wore the #80 throughout his 14 year tenure as a Ram, and also ranks among the greatest WRs of all time (#3 on the all time yardage list) is considering wearing Jerry's jersey, and Rice has given his blessing.
"I don't know what is going to happen in that scenario but if it was left up to me I would say, 'Yeah.' For Steve Largent to do what he did for me he showed me a side of him where I just feel like I have to do the same thing. He set the standard. It would be left up to Isaac and myself to sit down and talk or if the 49ers decide to do something like that it is OK with me."
It is a classy move by a traditionally class act, but the fact is Jerry Rice wearing the same # as Steve Largent -- a great WR, but no Jerry Rice -- is not the same as Bruce, or anyone, wearing #80 for the 49ers. Despite Bruce's HOF resume this move is the equivalent of Aaron Rodgers asking if he can wear Favre's #4 jersey next season. In a word and a punctuation mark: Blasphemous!
Like Lawrence Taylor's #56, Barry Sanders' #20, Jerry Rice's red-and-gold #80 is a memory that should not be tampered with, even if Jerry doesn't mind. It's not really about him, it's about the fans and the organization.
Bruce, who originally chose the number out of respect for Rice, and who is an equally classy guy himself will probably opt for an alternative. I'm sure 95% of San Francisco fans are hoping he does the right thing.
Posted Mar 10th 2008 10:16AM by TAN
Filed under: 49ers, NFL Fans, San Francisco
Jerry Rice, often referred to as the "greatest wide receiver to play the game," and sometimes the "greatest football player ever," is amongst the most iconic athletes in sports, let alone NFL history. Despite this legendary status his #80 jersey for the San Francisco 49ers is shockingly not retired. And now the recently signed Isaac Bruce, who himself wore the #80 throughout his 14 year tenure as a Ram, and also ranks among the greatest WRs of all time (#3 on the all time yardage list) is considering wearing Jerry's jersey, and Rice has given his blessing.
"I don't know what is going to happen in that scenario but if it was left up to me I would say, 'Yeah.' For Steve Largent to do what he did for me he showed me a side of him where I just feel like I have to do the same thing. He set the standard. It would be left up to Isaac and myself to sit down and talk or if the 49ers decide to do something like that it is OK with me."
It is a classy move by a traditionally class act, but the fact is Jerry Rice wearing the same # as Steve Largent -- a great WR, but no Jerry Rice -- is not the same as Bruce, or anyone, wearing #80 for the 49ers. Despite Bruce's HOF resume this move is the equivalent of Aaron Rodgers asking if he can wear Favre's #4 jersey next season. In a word and a punctuation mark: Blasphemous!
Like Lawrence Taylor's #56, Barry Sanders' #20, Jerry Rice's red-and-gold #80 is a memory that should not be tampered with, even if Jerry doesn't mind. It's not really about him, it's about the fans and the organization.
Bruce, who originally chose the number out of respect for Rice, and who is an equally classy guy himself will probably opt for an alternative. I'm sure 95% of San Francisco fans are hoping he does the right thing.
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Bosox1976
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
Montana took a different number when he went to the Chiefs, even though Len Dawson said he could have #16.
Bruce should do the same.
Besides, #16, #42, and #80 are "holy" in SF, and should never be worn by lesser players.
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25