Wide receiver Isaac Bruce, who signed this month as a free agent with the San Francisco 49ers, has changed his mind and will not wear the No. 80 jersey that he has worn throughout his career -- and that Jerry Rice immortalized in San Francisco. Bruce, who had Rice's blessing to wear No. 80 in San Francisco, was criticized by some who thought it was disrespectful to the man who is widely considered the greatest receiver of all time.
"Isaac Bruce will not be wearing No. 80," team spokesman Aaron Salkin said. "We are leaving it in honor of Jerry Rice's legacy."
Now the question is, when will the 49ers retire Rice's jersey? It's surprising that they haven't already, but the fact that the subject of another player wearing his jersey number has been in the news this week should spur them to do so.
Previously on FanHouse:
Why Would Isaac Bruce Even Want to Wear Jerry Rice's #80?
Does Isaac Bruce Dare To Wear Jerry Rice's No. 80?
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Good thing.
Posted at 9:57PM on Mar 13th 2008 by bet the super bowl
2. I think that Isaac Bruce deserves to wear #80. Fans can be upset, but the fact still remains, Rice started with the Niners, but he sure the hell didn't end with them. Fans need to realize this and get over it. If he was so important than the Niners would have kept him.
Posted at 9:49PM on Mar 19th 2008 by Brown
3. jerry rice is the epitome of WR and there is not nor will there ever be another jerry rice. i dont care what # any player has worn in their previous years but to even have the thought of wearing the legendary # 80 for the 49ers is blasphemous. when any true football fan thinks of #80 they shouldnt think about any other player than JERRY RICE.
Posted at 3:18AM on Mar 21st 2008 by shane