(Super Bowl) Boastful Niner Moss sets off best receiver debate
(01-30 12:38)
San Francisco 49ers receiver Randy Moss says that even though he does not have the numbers to prove it, he thinks that he is the best wide receiver in National Football League history in the US.
“I really do think that I'm the greatest receiver to ever play this game,’’ the 14-year veteran said as the 49ers prepared to face the Baltimore Ravens in Sunday's Super Bowl 47 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
“This year has been a down year for me, statistically. The year before I retired was a down year, and then in Oakland was a down year. I don't really live on numbers. I really live on impact and what you're able to do out on that field.’’
Speaking from inside the Superdome stadium where he will attempt to be part of his first Super Bowl championship squad, Moss said his legacy is intact.
“Now that I'm older, I do think I'm the greatest receiver to ever do it,’’ Moss said.
Not everyone agrees with Moss. Former San Francisco receiver Jerry Rice played 20 seasons in the NFL. Rice has a claim on the title as the best NFL receiver of all-time.
“Put my numbers up against his numbers,’’ Rice told ESPN after hearing of Moss's boast.
Rice, who played 20 seasons, caught 197 touchdowns compared to 156 for Moss. Rice finished with 22,895 receiving yards to 15,292 for Moss and had 76 games with more than 100 receiving yards to only 64 for Moss.
Moss also talked about money, his painful past Super Bowl experience and his future. He still has a chance to close the gap with Rice, saying he is not ready to retire.
This is the second Super Bowl appearance for Moss, whose New England Patriots lost to the New York Giants in the 2007 season championship game. Moss said winning a Super Bowl at this stage in his career would mean a lot to him.
Moss was part of a heavily favored Patriots team that was trying to achieve the first 19-0 undefeated championship season.
The 49ers are a different team, eager to erase memories of a loss to the Giants in last season's playoff semi-finals.
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