It’s always tough to follow in your dad’s footsteps. It’s nearly impossible to follow in your dad’s footsteps if he’s the NFL’s all-time leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Plus, he also wears three Super Bowl rings.
So goes the life of Jerry Rice Jr., who is planning to attend the San Francisco 49ers’ rookie minicamp this weekend. The wide receiver did not get drafted out of UNLV, where Rice played for one year after transferring from UCLA. He had 11 catches for 86 yards for the Rebels last season.
This will be Rice’s second attempt to catch on with an NFL team. He tried out for the Baltimore Ravens last weekend, however, the team did not sign him to a contract.
After working out for the Ravens, Jerry Rice Jr. is heading to SF for a tryout w/ the 49ers.
http://t.co/u6TqblosTf pic.twitter.com/rMy1oDjWMR
— FOX Sports NFL (@NFLonFOX) May 19, 2014
Baltimore’s head coach John Harbaugh was impressed with young Rice and likes his chances with the 49ers, “He’s a really good athlete. He doesn’t have his dad’s size, but he sure got his athleticism. He runs in a real similar way. He’s got that West Coast offense down. He’s probably had that playbook since he was in the cradle.”
Rice Jr. is 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds. His dad was 6-foot-2 and weighed 200 pounds during his playing days.
The receiver was undaunted by not signing with the Ravens and took to his personal Twitter account to relay his excitement about his tryout with the 49ers.
Working for the next opportunity… Appreciate the ravens for getting my feet wet… Now preparing for #49ers this weekend.. Leggo!
— Jerry Rice Jr. (@JRtherealgoatJR) May 19, 2014
Thanx for all the positivity and the negativity..I'm glad I have support as we'll as doubters cuz y'all fuel me to get better.. I need both!
— Jerry Rice Jr. (@JRtherealgoatJR) May 19, 2014
The 49ers’ minicamp is scheduled for this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Image via YouTube Screenshot