American Football: Oakland out to feast on Rice's hunger for more records

When the late Walter Payton retired in 1987, he had established a benchmark against which all other running backs would be measured. The legendary former Chicago Bears running back left the game having accumulated 16,726 career rushing yards. No one, it was widely predicted, would ever come close to topping it.

However, as a new American football season begins tomorrow, that record has weeks left to stand. Emmitt Smith, of the Dallas Cowboys, requires only 540 yards to erase Payton's mark, an accomplishment only a career-ending injury can deny. Records, as is often said, are made to be broken.

Unless they have been set by Jerry Rice. The Oakland Raiders wide receiver turns 40 next month, but there has been little evidence of a slowing of production from a man who, over the course of 17 seasons, has established a degree of statistical brilliance which may never be surpassed.

Rice, who made his name as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, currently holds 12 NFL and 11 Super Bowl records: he looks poised to add more this season. Only 14 players in the game's history have scored 100 touchdowns: Rice leads the way with 196, 37 more than Smith, his closest rival.

He has caught 1,364 passes (only one other player has more than 1,000), and his 20,386 career receiving yards are 6,000 more than his closest pursuer. This season, he will overhaul Payton for most combined yardage in a career. Even in a sport obsessed by statistics, Rice's numbers are simply mind-boggling. "He's the best that ever played," said the former San Francisco quarterback, Steve Young, "and the football gods are whispering in his ear, telling him to go for more."

Rice won three Super Bowls during his 16 seasons with the 49ers, but remains committed in his quest for another title. "My biggest fear is that someday I might fail," he admits. "That is what motivates me to keep my motor running at the highest level, no matter what I am doing."

Legend has it that as a young boy growing up in Mississippi, Rice ran from his school principal after being caught skipping lessons. The teacher suggested that his speed be put to constructive use, urging him to try out for the football team.

Whatever the truth of the story, Rice took to the game, soon developing his own unique training schedule. As a youngster, he would catch bricks to strengthen his hands. As a professional, he has devised his own fitness and conditioning regime which features hill running and endurance training.

"The work ethic is what makes Jerry Rice so special," said John Madden, doyen of television commentators. "He's not only better than any other wide receivers, he works harder than any of the others. You don't see that combination too often."

A relative unknown when drafted by the 49ers from tiny Mississippi Valley State college in 1985, Rice's impact was felt instantly, and continued for more than a decade. His partnership first with the quarterback Joe Montana, and then with Young, helped earn San Francisco three championships.

During that time, Rice became known as the player who excelled at all aspects of his position. Even more remarkable was that he remained injury-free for as long as he did. Rice did not miss a game until early in 1997, when a damaged knee threatened his career. He returned to action after only 14 weeks, only to break his knee-cap. He had come back too soon, said the doubters: perhaps Rice was finished.

Far from it. He returned the following season with 82 catches for 1,157 yards, but a valuable lesson had been learned. "I realise now more than ever how fragile life can be," he said. "I was born with a very special gift, but no one is invincible, and I truly understand how blessed I have been."

Financial constraints forced the 49ers to release him after the 2000 season. Although retirement beckoned Rice was in demand, but it was a surprise when he made the short journey across the bay to the Oakland Raiders, who had a star receiver of their own in Tim Brown. Could their considerable skills be harnessed in tandem? Brown led the way last year with 91 receptions, but Rice was right behind him with 83. "Tim and Jerry worked great together last season," said their quarterback, Rich Gannon, "and it will be even better this season."

Others are not so certain. The Raiders have a new coach this year in Bill Callahan, a surprise choice with no previous head coaching experience. Callahan inherits an ageing team. In addition to Rice, Brown and Gannon are both 36, while newly acquired defensive players such as Trace Armstrong, Bill Romanowski and Rod Woodson are closer to 40 than 30.

While other contenders, such as Pittsburgh, St Louis, the 49ers and Green Bay are considered better prospects, the Raiders clearly believe in the value of experience.

"I've heard people say this is the last hurrah, and that if we don't win, this team will get broken up," said Rice. "Who knows? I feel good about the players we have, and it should be an exciting season. But there are no guarantees."

Well, there is one. The player who sets the standard against which all others are judged will keep adding to his tally. Walter Payton's seemingly insurmountable record has survived a mere 15 years. Jerry Rice's accomplishments look set to last considerably longer.

FOUR TEAMS TO WATCH IN THE NEW NFL SEASON

CONTENDERS

ST LOUIS RAMS
Fastest team in the NFL. Played in two of the last three Super Bowls, but surprisingly beaten in last season's by the New England Patriots. Running back Marshall Faulk will spearhead their assault, ably supported by quarterback Kurt Warner. Last year's disappointment will provide a powerful incentive.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS
No team can match the Steelers for overall strength in depth. Jerome Bettis remains a formidable weapon at running back, but last season's emergence of receiver Plaxico Burress provides a genuine passing option. Intimidating defensively, all Pittsburgh lack is consistency. Coach Bill Cowher is a compelling sideline motivator.

DARK HORSES

ATLANTA FALCONS
Have done little since a Super Bowl appearance four years ago, but if quarterback Michael Vick lives up to the hype, the Falcons will cause a surprise. New running back Warrick Dunn helps, but all eyes are on Vick. His emergence has delayed the retirement of veteran coach Dan Reeves.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Consistent strugglers over the last 20 years but the arrival of coach Marty Schottenheimer brings guarded optimism. Strong defense and impressive running game, married to Schottenheimer's back-to-basics philosophy could lead to renaissance, but much depends on untested quarterback Drew Brees.