NFL icon Jerry Rice recently reflected on one of the most pivotal moments of his storied career—the 1985 NFL Draft—and revealed a surprising twist that could have altered the course of football history. Speaking in a new interview, the San Francisco 49ers legend shared how he truly believed he was about to become a Dallas Cowboy.
“I thought for sure I was going to be a Cowboy,” Rice recalled. “I had a great meeting with them, and everything felt right.” However, fate had other plans. The 49ers, led by legendary coach Bill Walsh, traded up to secure the 16th overall pick and stunned many by selecting the wide receiver out of Mississippi Valley State.
While Rice admitted he was initially caught off guard, the move proved to be historic. He went on to become one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, winning three Super Bowls and setting records that still stand today.
The revelation has reignited debates among fans about what might have been if Rice had suited up for Dallas instead of San Francisco. Would the Cowboys have achieved even greater success during the 1990s dynasty? Or was Rice destined to thrive in Walsh’s innovative offense?
Either way, Rice’s draft story is a reminder of how one moment can change everything—and how a legendary career can begin in the most unexpected of ways.
