Jerry Rice ‘Looking Over His Shoulder’ at Larry Fitzgerald

Wide receiving legend Jerry Rice has said that Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald could surpass his catching record.

Larry Fitzgerald moved to second in the NFL all time receptions list against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. With his fifth catch of the day, he reached 1,326 catches and surpassed Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzaelez. 

Jerry Rice was in attendance on the day, and had some kind words for Fitzgerald after the game.

“It was just great being there and to share that moment with him,” Rice said.

“I remember, you know, doing warm-ups, he was just throwing the ball back and forth with me. To see him get that fifth catch … to get into that second spot and to be on hand right there for it is something I’ll never forget. I have a lot of respect for this guy.”

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In his 20 year career, Jerry Rice made 1,549 receptions. The 36-year-old Fitzgerald is currently playing his 16th season, and has considered retirement. Rice believes that if Fitzgerald keeps going, he could take his number one spot.

“He told me one thing. He was like, ‘You know what, there’s no celebration in being second,'” Rice said. “So, he’s got me looking over my shoulder right now, because if anybody can do it, I think it’s Larry Fitzgerald, because of his conditioning, his worth ethic and stuff like that. He’s just a great football player.”

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“This is just Year 16 for him. I played 20 years and I think with the game today, I think you’re going to see guys play much longer.”

Fitzgerald will have another chance to make up ground on Rice against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.