NFL legend set to make pro debut

Last updated: 19th March 2010

NFL legend Jerry Rice will host and play in next month's Nationwide Tour event at TPC Stonebrae in California - the Fresh Express Classic.

In his illustrious gridiron career, Rice became the NFL's all-time top wide receiver. In 20 seasons with San Francisco (1985-2000) and Oakland (2001-2004) he set seven NFL career receiving records and holds the NFL records for most TD receptions (197) and total TDs (208).

But it's golf that has Rice's attention now and he's received a sponsor's exemption to test his skills against the pros.

"I have a tremendous respect for professional golfers and an appreciation of the Nationwide Tour, because of the way it provides aspiring golfers a chance to pursue their careers," said Rice on pgatour.com.

"Also, I am excited for the opportunity to play in the tournament and experience that level of competition."

Rice actually turned pro some time ago and won $10,000 at the 2009 American Century Celebrity Championship at Edgewood Tahoe after finishing 10th.

However, this will be his first appearance in a professional golf tour event.

"I'm a little nervous about playing, to be honest with you," said Rice, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer. "(But) I believe to elevate your game, you have to play with the best. That's what I'm trying to do.

"If I make the cut, man, I'm going to go home and dance," added Rice, who starred in the US reality show Dancing with the Stars. "Wow, that would be like a dream come true."

Rice took up the game during his time with the 49ers and was always keen to hit the driving range between practice sessions when the team held pre-season camp at Sierra College in Rocklin.

Host venue TPC Stonebrae is a 7,188-yard par 71 and Rice will have to negotiate two par fives of over 600 yards (the 625-yard third and the 606-yard 15th).

The course is etched into the rugged hillside high above San Francisco's East Bay and was designed by award-winning David McLay Kidd.

The Jerry Rice 127 Foundation has been named as the "primary receiver" of the charitable proceeds generated by the event, which runs from April 12-15.