Ok, I'm a lifelong 49er fan in the nature of full disclosure.
Now you have to give Emmitt his due in that he has the career rushing yards record in the National Football League, but let's be realistic about who the greatest player being inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame tomorrow. For all the records that Rice has, including most touchdowns, in my mind, there is no argument. For all his work ethic, Super Bowl records and shear dominance while catching the ball from two different Hall of Fame quarterbacks (and we won't even get into the difference between a right-handed and left-handed quarterback), these athletic achievements make Jerry Rice cleanly the best player in the 2010 class much less in the history of the league. Also, understand that in order for Emmit to get his numbers, he was extremely dependent on the ability of the Dallas Cowboys to build some of the best offensive lines ever. Remember when Emmitt finished his career with the Cardinals (oh yeah, you forgot that...), he did not have the vaunted line in front of him. And, oh yeah, Mr. Rice played for 20 years compared to 14 for Emmitt. And look at the numbers for the players that have the second all-time numbers compared to Rice. He is by far the most dominant player of his generation and redefined the position of wide receiver.
So, when you are reading or watching the East Coast media machine try to be fair in giving equal time to Rice and Smith, know in your heart of hearts who was the best player on the field, is the best who ever played and will be the best player in the Hall of Fame, period!
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