Jerry Rice Thinks He'll Be Traded

[texasguy346]

I found this to be really interesting. I'd hate to see the guy traded, but if he's got a better shot at getting playing time with another team then it's not all bad. Hard for him to compete with the young and fast WRs on the Raiders.

Tuesday, October 12, 2004

Trade speculation started last week

Associated Press
ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Jerry Rice believes he could be traded by the Oakland Raiders before the Oct. 19 deadline.

Rice, who turns 42 Wednesday, told Sacramento radio station KHTK on Tuesday that his days with Oakland may be numbered, and that he wants to play for a team that will better utilize his talents.

Speculation surfaced last week about a possible swap with the Detroit Lions.

"When rumors get started like that, something is going on," Rice said. "I don't know how much longer I'll be wearing the silver and black. The thing is, I know wherever I go, that that team will get something special because I'll give them 100 percent and I'll make plays on the football field to help that team win."

Michael Lombardi, the Raiders' senior personnel executive, said Tuesday that the Detroit story "was not remotely accurate."

A call to Rice's agent, Jim Steiner, was not immediately returned Tuesday afternoon.

Rice's role with the Raiders has been greatly diminished this season. Through five games, the NFL's career leader in catches and touchdowns has five receptions for 67 yards and no touchdowns -- his receptions are tied for eighth on the team.

Rice has shown his frustration several times already, and admitted last week that the limited role is affecting him.

His NFL record streak of 274 straight games with a catch ended in the second game of the season, a 13-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills. Two Sundays ago in Houston, Rice didn't make a catch until hauling in an 18-yard pass from Kerry Collins with 2:33 left on a square-in route.

By the time Rice made his catch, Collins had completed 20 passes to nine other receivers.

"I can't go out this way," Rice said Tuesday. "If some things had been explained to me before the season started, then maybe the situation would be different now. I want to come back, I want to play next year, and I want to go out the right way. I don't know if I'll be in a Raiders uniform, but I'll be somewhere on the field doing my thing. ... From what I was told, I'd be a significant part and I'd have opportunities and I'd make plays. This is a business, man, and you never know.

Rice is in his 20th NFL season, fourth with the Raiders.

"The situation right now, it doesn't look good, and you know something is in the works," he said. "I hope both parties can move on and be happy about the situation. I just want to play football, I want to enjoy myself and contribute."

Coach Norv Turner was asked about Rice again during his Monday media session, and reiterated that many receivers will play significant roles this season.

"He didn't have as many snaps yesterday as he had in the earlier games," Turner said. "We've had situations where he's been open and the ball's been thrown to someone else, and again, it's a different offense, a different style of offense. We have a lot of new people playing. It's hard to give you one reason he hasn't been as involved as he's been in the past."

ESPN

[Corrosion]

He should have retired , a classic case of a great athlete not knowing when to call it quits

[Blake]

Originally Posted by corrosion

He should have retired , a classic case of a great athlete not knowing when to call it quits

I think he could have still been productive this year. But I agree. Go out on top of your game. Let everyone know that you couldnt be beaten ever. You dont have to try and prove it.

[Ihategeeks]

Come to me Jerry, come to me :woot

[STEEL BLUE TEXANS]

Jerry is less than average now. He would be the 5th WR here.

[JustBonee]

I wonder what Jerry Rice means by "going out the right way"... for most of them I think it means being carried out in a body bag!
They seem to be the very last to notice that they are losing it, but I guess that is human nature.
It's a shame because they only embarrass themselves in the process.

[texasguy346]

Originally Posted by SassyTexan

They seem to be the very last to notice that they are losing it, but I guess that is human nature.

I agree that it's just human nature. Some are better at recognizing when it's time to go than others. I compare it to an older man or older woman being told they no longer have the ability to drive (or something similar where they've done it for a very long time). It's difficult to accept that you're no longer able to do something that you've done for much of your life. Sure Pro Football is a career to these men, but many started out playing it as young boys. They have a hard time remembering a time when they weren't playing it, and it just further complicates the realization of when its time to let it go. I hope he finds what he's looking for, but I fear he won't be able to 'go out the right way' this late in his career.

[Ihategeeks]

If Jerry Couldn't play I would agree with these statements

in 03 he had 60+ catches with the 3rd string QB alot of the year
in 02 he had 90

This year they don't let him on the field because he doesn't fit into a vertical offense well.

If Jerry can go to any WCO he would do well, he isn't as fast, but when the hell has he ever been really fast?

He is still in fatastic shape, still trains like it's obsession. He still get off the line and make CB's look stupid.

Any team running a WCO who can get Jerry Rice cheap should do it.

Jerry to the lions, teaching Roy Williams and Charles Rogers, actaully catching the ball on 3rd down?

Oh thats a dream, and a Jersey would rock ^_^ Too bad it doesn;t look like it will happen >_<

[STEEL BLUE TEXANS]

Charles Rogers has been a bust so far. He is too injury prone. He will never live up to the hype he got coming out of college.

[CrumplerFan]

Originally Posted by STEEL BLUE TEXANS

Jerry is less than average now. He would be the 5th WR here.

I think the Texans Wr corps is a lot different from most in the league. A lot of speed and an offense to go deep more than often. At least they can.

Jerry Rice isn't fitting to this and everyone would knew, there is talent on the bench to develop, but the old man is sitting on his spot.

I believe Teams with less depth at Wr and/or a system operating with short and intermediate passes can use Jerry Rice very good. 70 catches could very well the result.

I could imagine Detroit, Atlanta, Arizona (if Boldin wouldn't return),Tampa (they are desperate), Denver (Rod Smith still plays, too) picking him up, if there wouldn't be the cap hit for Oakland releasing him...