With his retirement, 42-year-old wide receiver Jerry Rice ends an era that covered 20 NFL seasons with 38 NFL records, including career receptions (1,549) and yards receiving (22,895).
Rice played a bulk of his career with the San Francisco 49ers before stints with Oakland, Seattle and Denver. But he summed it up wonderfully when he talked about his longevity.
“A lot of guys here were 3 when I started playing. I think those guys are pretty much amazed that I can still run the way I can run,” Rice said.
That got us thinking: What else happened in 1985 when Jerry Rice was drafted No. 16 overall?
– Ronald Reagan is sworn in for his second term as U.S. president.
– Coca-Cola released New Coke.
– The Grammy for best new artist went to … Cyndi Lauper.
– Live Aid is held in Philadelphia and London.
– “Back to the Future” dominates the box office, but “Out of Africa” wins best picture.
– Actress Keira Knightly (top) and Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps (bottom) were born.
– Villanova stuns Georgetown in the NCAA basketball championship game.
– “Growing Pains” premieres on ABC.
