A pair of NFL legends are set to be in attendance to watch their respective franchises duke it out Sunday when the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers square off for a spot in Super Bowl 58. It will be all love between Hall of Famers Barry Sanders and Jerry Rice, however — at least before the NFC Championship Game kicks off.
Barry Sanders and Jerry Rice: Former Teams Square Off
Sanders and Rice expressed their affinity for one another and excitement to catch up at the conference title game earlier this week with messages posted to their respective X (formerly known as Twitter) accounts.
Sanders, who was a Hall of Fame running back with the Lions, began the exchange.
“Hey @JerryRice – can’t wait to see you this weekend,” Sanders tweeted. “Looking forward to catching up. We might not be able to sit in the same suite though. Lol. @Lions @49ers Let’s go #RoarNation.”
Rice, a Hall of Fame wide receiver for his exploits with the 49ers, replied in kind.
“Can’t wait to see you @BarrySanders! It’s gonna be fun! May the best GOAT win!” Rice replied.
Can't wait to see you @BarrySanders! It's gonna be fun! May the best GOAT win! #DoItForTheBay #FTTB @49ers @Lions #NFCChampionship https://t.co/QCwHG9Qpc8
— Jerry Rice (@JerryRice) January 25, 2024
Sanders and Rice both enjoyed lengthy and productive careers in the NFL.
Rice began his time in the pros first after being selected 16th overall in the 1985 NFL Draft by San Francisco. He went on to win three Super Bowls with the franchise on his way to racking up a whopping 1,549 receptions for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns across 20 seasons, all three of which are all-time NFL records yet to be passed.
Rice won Super Bowl MVP for his efforts in the game’s 23rd iteration, hauling in 11 catches for 215 yards and one touchdown in the 49ers’ 20-16 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Sanders made a mark of his own during his stellar 10-year career in Detroit, making a case as one of the best running backs in league history. He racked up 3,062 carries for 15,269 yards and nine touchdowns across those seasons, all of which rank favorably, particularly factoring in the longevity of other all-time running backs.
Sanders was also a crucial part of the Lions’ first and only NFC Championship Game appearance in the Super Bowl era up until this year, rushing for 1,548 yards and a career-best 16 touchdowns across 15 regular-season appearances to help Detroit win its division.
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Now, Sanders and Rice’s former teams are set to square off for a spot in this year’s Super Bowl. The Lions and 49ers were two of the NFC’s top teams all year and now have the chance at taking on the winner of Sunday’s AFC Championship Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens.
Time will tell how it all ultimately shakes out, but it’s clear it will be an emotional day for both Sanders and Rice.
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