(LOT 25)
1986 Topps #161 Jerry Rice PSA 10 GEM MT
PERFECT RICE!!!... Rice's record-breaking season at Mississippi Valley caught the attention of many NFL scouts, but his speed kept most wary, although there were apparently at least two exceptions: the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers. In his autobiography, Rice says the Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, San Diego Chargers, and Indianapolis Colts had kept in contact with him prior to the draft. In the first round of the 1985 NFL draft, Dallas had the 17th selection and San Francisco had the last (as Super Bowl champions from 1984). 49ers coach Bill Walsh reportedly sought Rice after watching highlights of Rice the Saturday night before San Francisco was to play the Houston Oilers on October 21, 1984.

On draft day (April 30, 1985), the 49ers traded its first two picks for New England's first-round choice, the 16th selection overall (the teams also swapped third-round picks as part of the deal), and selected Rice before, as some report, the Cowboys were intending to pick him. Rice was prized more highly by the USFL, as he was the #2 pick overall in that short-lived league's 1985 draft. The Greatest receiver to ever put on the pads, this Rookie card of Jerry Rice from 1986 is one of a few that received the high honors of a PSA 10 holder. PACK FRESH BEAUTY!!!

MIN BID $3,500