Jerry Rice, the legendary wide receiver with the 49ers, has more records and accomplishments than almost any other player in NFL history. Many still consider him to be the greatest football player of all time, and his incredible career won him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
It’s unlikely that the majority of his career records will be surpassed. However, 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is about to break one of his franchise records.
In Week 15, McCaffrey scored his 20th touchdown of the year, behind only Terrell Rice’s record of 23 from the 1987 campaign by just three. It’s extremely possible that San Francisco will score four touchdowns in its remaining three games, and Rice wants to see that happen.
Rice and 49ers LB on the Warner House podcast According to Fred Warner, he hopes McCaffrey can score 24 touchdowns.
Indeed. For me, records are made to be broken,” Rice remarked. “He does it all, man—from scrimmage to rushing the ball to catching the ball to scoring touchdowns—what he brings to the table.”
Although Rice’s 23 touchdowns were spread over just 12 games, the records will still apply.In addition, Rice said he had enough records and wouldn’t mind if a star player for the 49ers today got one.
As Rice put it to Warner, “Records are meant to be broken.” The same thing is, I believe, occurring with CMC, and I was extremely fortunate to have so many excellent players surrounding me. Not to worry, though, because he’s a diligent worker, a complete ballplayer, and very grounded. I have a lot of records now, so it’s all fine. Some of the records can be shared without any issues.
Combined for rushing and receiving touchdowns, McCaffrey’s average per game this season is 1.3. With the Ravens, Commanders, and Rams the team’s final three games, that puts him on pace for a 3.9 (4.0 if we’re rounding up).
It will be interesting to watch what happens if McCaffrey is not the record-holder by Week 18, even though the 49ers are favored to win the NFC. Would they allow McCaffrey to break Rice’s record of 23 touchdown passes, or would they merely rest him? Going into the last week, a lot of circumstances will determine that decision, but we already know which way Rice would tilt.
