JERRY RICE ENSHRINED IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
Roderick Mosley
August 12, 2006                                                                   

Itta Bena, Miss. --- Former Mississippi Valley State and NFL standout receiver Jerry Rice was enshrined into 2006 Class of the College Football Hall of Fame this evening in ceremonies in South Bend, IN.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers in football history on any level, Rice joined teammate Willie Totten as both ends of the famed Delta Devils "Satellite Express" are now members of the College Football Hall of Fame.  A two-time First Team All-America selection, Rice finished ninth in the 1984 Heisman Trophy voting as he set numerous Division I-AA records including single-season receptions (103) and receiving yards (1,450).  A three-time First Team All-Conference pick, Rice was named the 1984 SWAC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year for the State of Mississippi.  A member of the Super South 11, he shattered school records with 310 career receptions, 4,856 receiving yards and 51 touchdowns and caught an NCAA record 24 passes against Southern in 1983.

Drafted in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, Rice became arguably the greatest player in NFL history.  In 20 seasons, he was named to the Pro Bowl 13 times, won three Super Bowls and broke virtually every receiving record.  His NFL totals exceed 1,500 receptions, 22,000 receiving yards and 200 touchdowns.

In the community, Rice volunteers with the March of the Dimes, Packard Children's Hospital, Nike PLAY program, Team Up for Healthy Kids, United Way and The Jerry Rice "127" Foundation.  

Others joining Rice included Kevin Dent (DB, Jackson State, 1985-88), John Friesz (QB, Idaho, 1986-89) and Ronnie Mallet (End, Central Arkansas, 1978-81).  Coaches that were part of the class include Dick Farley (Williams (Mass.), 1983-2003), John Galiardi (Carol College (Mont.) 1949-52, Saint John’s (Minn.) 1952-present) and Vernon “Skip” McCain (Maryland State, 1948-63).

The enshrinement dinner and show served as a finale for a three day festival that included a celebrity golf scramble, Enshrinement Festival Parade through downtown South Bend this morning followed by a day-long FanFest which included a youth football clinic, celebrity flag football game and more.

(Photo courtesy of MVSU)

-MVSU-