Jerry Rice is widely considered the greatest wide receiver in NFL history and one of the greatest players ever to play the game. Born October 13, 1962, in Starkville, Mississippi, Rice grew up in Crawford working alongside his father, a brick mason, catching bricks on scaffolding—training that would develop his legendary hands. At Mississippi Valley State University, he shattered NCAA records with 27 touchdown receptions as a senior in 1984, earning the nickname "World" for his ability to catch anything thrown near him.