Jerry Rice set an abundance of records during his illustrious NFL career, but one of his all-time milestones is in jeopardy of being broken by a current member of the 49ers.
Christian McCaffrey has scored 20 touchdowns during the 2023 NFL season, just two shy of the 49ers’ single-season franchise record of 22, which Rice set in 1987.
Rice was asked by 49ers All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner if he wants to see the record broken during an interview on "The Warner House" podcast. The legendary wide receiver revealed he’s rooting for McCaffrey to do it, citing his admiration for the dynamic ability the superstar running back adds to the 49ers' offense.
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"Yes. Because I believe records are meant to be broken," Rice told Warner. "What he brings to the table, I'm talking about from scrimmage, from rushing the ball, from catching the ball, scoring touchdowns, he does it all, man. He does it all. I make sure when I go to the ballgame and I'm out on the field that I walk over and I say hello to him and just interact with the players.
"Records are meant to be broken. I was very fortunate to have so many great players around me, and I think the same thing is happening with [McCaffrey]. He's a complete ballplayer, works very hard, is very down to earth. So it's OK, it's all right. I got quite a few records now, OK? I don't mind sharing some of those records."
In addition to the 49ers' single-season touchdown record, Rice holds nearly every major career receiving record in NFL history, including the most receiving touchdowns (197), receiving yards (22,895) and receptions (1,549).
McCaffrey's pursuit of Rice's single-season record received a significant boost in the 49ers' 45-29 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, with the All-Pro running back logging three TDs on the afternoon. McCaffrey's prolific performance in Arizona earned him an MVP endorsement from Brock Purdy.
McCaffrey has scored at least one touchdown in all but two of San Francisco’s 14 games. And with three games remaining on the schedule, he looks poised to add his own name to the record books by breaking Rice's prestigious mark, which has stood for over 35 years.
