American football: Legend Jerry Rice to retire

Jerry Rice, the National Football League's leading receiver, yesterday announced he was retiring from the sport.

"I think the tears that you see [are because] I've really enjoyed this ride. It's been great," an emotional Rice told a news conference at the Denver Broncos headquarters in Englewood, Colorado.

Rice, 42, played 20 seasons in the NFL and set 38 league records. His career totals of 1549 catches for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns are all NFL records.

"He's the greatest player to ever play the game," Denver coach Mike Shanahan said.

Rice, who helped the San Francisco 49ers to win three Super Bowls in the 1980s and 1990s, signed with the Broncos in the offseason in hopes of finishing out his career.

When told last weekend he would not be among the team's top three receivers and may not dress for every game, Rice decided to retire.