NFL Wide Receivers Mount Rushmore of the Super Bowl Era
By Erik Lambert
Wideout is the modern glamor position of pro football. Ever since the forward pass took on even greater significance in the 1960s, that job has gained greater importance and popularity in the subsequent decades. Not only does it attract the best athletes this country has to offer, but also some of the biggest personalities.
Given how loaded that position is nowadays, there were bound to be certain names that had to be left off the list. Easily the most controversial will be Terrell Owens. The #2 all-time leading receiver just went into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. To think he can’t crack mountain of best of the Super Bowl era. How is that even possible?
When the talent level of a position becomes so concentrated, other factors must take hold. Yes, his noted team-destroying antics were part of it. He’s not alone though. Other greats like Marvin Harrison, Steve Largent, and Tim Brown also failed to crack the list. That’s how insane the competition was. So who did make it? Well, there was at least one easy answer.
Jerry Rice (San Francisco 49ers/Oakland Raiders)
What really needs to be said? Everybody knows the name. Everybody knows the achievements. Jerry Rice was considered a decent draft pick when the San Francisco 49ers traded up to get him in 1985 NFL draft. Not a single person on the planet at that time thought he’d eventually turn into the greatest wide receiver that has ever played the game of football.
Such is the case. In a remarkable career that spanned just shy of two decades, Rice delivered 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns. Both remain NFL records by a fairly wide margin. He also has three Super Bowl rings, a Super Bowl MVP award and 13 Pro Bowl nominations. His list of achievements is legendary. Scoring 22 touchdowns in 12 games in 1987 certainly stand out.
Posting 215 yards against the Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII is another. The guy was simply the best regardless of opponent or time of year. He checks all the boxes for being the best and would be the George Washington of the actual Mount Rushmore.