Let’s remember when Jerry Rice was traded to the Seahawks, on this day in 2004 (October 19)
Continuing in the tradition of Gaylord Perry and Franco Harris, another legendary athlete came to Seattle at the tail end of his career: Jerry Rice. It happened 15 years ago today.
Jerry Rice, the most productive receiver in N.F.L. history, got his wish Monday night when the Oakland Raiders traded him to the Seattle Seahawks.
The trade will be completed after Rice undergoes a physical and the league gives its approval. The Raiders did not say what they received in return for Rice.
Rice asked for a trade last week as his role on the Raiders diminished. Seahawks Coach Mike Holmgren was Rice’s offensive coordinator from 1989 to 1991 with the San Francisco 49ers, and Holmgren was the Niners’ quarterbacks coach starting in Rice’s second season with the team in 1986.
When Rice’s short time in Seattle ended, ESPN said:
In recent years, Rice’s numbers significantly decreased.
Rice was released by San Francisco after the 2000 season as Terrell Owens developed into the 49ers’ main receiving threat. Rice moved across San Francisco Bay and signed with the Oakland Raiders.
In 2002, Rice had 92 catches for 1,211 yards and seven touchdowns in helping the Raiders reach the Super Bowl.
But Rice began getting phased out of the Raiders’ offense in 2003, catching just 63 passes and two TDs. This past season, Rice had only five catches with the Raiders before being traded to Seattle.
In Seattle he was reunited with Holmgren, who was San Francisco’s offensive coordinator during some of his best years.
Last season, Rice had 30 catches for 429 yards, by far the lowest totals of his 20-year career other than in 1997, when he missed most of the season with a knee injury. His three touchdown receptions last season and two in 2003 were the lowest of his career for any full season other than his rookie year, when he also had three.
Rice’s best game for Seattle came in a 43–39 loss to Dallas on Dec. 6. Rice had eight catches for 145 yards and a touchdown.
Steiner said Rice knew he was being brought to Seattle for a one-time shot at a deep playoff run.
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