Jerry Rice Retires From Football

[Beowulf]

DENVER - <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = AT /><AT:CLASS></AT:CLASS>Unwilling to be a bit player with the Broncos, Jerry Rice retired Monday, closing a 20-year career for the most productive receiver in NFL history.

<AT:CLASS></AT:CLASS>Rice, 42, made his decision over the weekend at home in San Francisco, then returned to Broncos headquarters and met with coach Mike Shanahan. He played 20 NFL seasons.

<AT:CLASS></AT:CLASS>"This is a happy day," he said. "I think the tears that you see basically is that I have really enjoyed this ride.

<AT:CLASS></AT:CLASS>"I'm done. I'm looking forward to the next phase of my life."

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What I like is that he's leaving while he can still play. It's sad when guys retire after being hurt. People remember you more when you leave while you can still perform and leave on your own terms.

Have a great retirement, Jerry. You've earned it.

[BEST45CAL]

I think he shoulda retired after his double knee injuries. He already lost a step before he got injured. He got really slow afterward.42 isn't old, but it's old when compared to the people he played with. Hope he can enjoy his life now.

[Dennis]

You know, it probably would have been nicer if he would have retired before the Broncos had to cut a younger receiver to make room for him on the roster.