Jerry Rice says Calvin Johnson ‘has a ways to go’
By Mike Dyce
Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is clearly the best playing the position right now. With that debate settled the conversation has turned to how he matches up against the all-time greats, specifically 49ers Hall of Fame reciever Jerry Rice.
“I think it’s great that they’re still talking about me after my career’s over. (Johnson) still has a ways to go,” Rice, told USA TODAY Sports.
“We’re just going to let this guy continue to develop, and if he should break the majority of my records or break all my records, I’ll be the first one to congratulate him. But I know the sacrifice that you have to put into it. It takes a lot of dedication, a lot of hard work.”
Johnson has already broken Rice’s single season record, but beating his career records will be difficult. Rice is the career leader in catches (1,549), receiving yards (22,895) and receiving touchdowns (197).
“I think (Johnson) has gotten so much better route running, and he doesn’t just rely on his jumping ability anymore,” Rice said. “That’s why he’s called Megatron, man. He’s a hell of a lot (to handle) on that football field. Right now he’s had about (63) touchdowns and he’s going strong. I wish him the best. I know what type of work ethic he has. He’s a complete player.”