Every now and then it’s worth revisiting just how outlandish Jerry Rice’s career numbers are.
It’s not hard to find praise for the Hall of Famer. Some regard him as the greatest football player ever thanks to his 20-year career that saw him finish with virtually every receiving record, 13 Pro Bowls, 10 First-Team All-Pro nods, three Super Bowl wins, a Super Bowl MVP and two Offensive Player of the Year awards. He also led the NFL in receptions twice, receiving yards six times, and receiving touchdowns six times.
Touchdowns is where we’re going to focus now thanks to OptaStats’ Greg Harvey, who put together an infographic that illustrates just how ludicrous Rice’s touchdown production was while he wore red and gold:
With the 2023 NFL season approaching, I’m starting a new timeline graphic series that focuses on All-Time TD leaders for each franchise!
1st up are the @49ers, who joined the NFL in 1950. The leading scorer in franchise history is @JerryRice 🏈
Data via OptaSTATS 📈 pic.twitter.com/fPXaJV8C4r
— Greg Harvey (@BetweenTheNums) June 19, 2023
Rice scored 33 more touchdowns after he left the 49ers to finish his career with 208 — by far the most in NFL history. Had Rice retired after leaving the 49ers though he still would’ve been the all-time TD leader. Former Cardinals running back Emmitt Smith is second with 175.
It’s not really in play that any player on the 49ers’ roster will ever catch Rice. That’s the case for any player on any team. However, the graphic shows the top 15 TD scorers in 49ers franchise history. No current 49ers are on the list, but there’s a real chance a couple players get in there either this year or next.
Let’s look at who’s close: