Jerry Rice Exposes Darrell Green

Jerry Rice is as sure a first ballot Hall Of Famer as you will ever meet. Asked today who were the best defensive backs he's ever faced, the legendary San Francisco 49er-Oakland Raider wide receiver mentioned two names: the Dallas Cowboys' Deion Sanders and the Washington Redskins' Darrell Green. 

Rice was interviewed today by San Francisco Examiner sportswriter Samuel Lam. Here's the question and Rice's answer.

Lam: "...who do you think was the greatest defensive back that you have ever faced?

Rice: "I have a couple guys. I’ll give you two. Deion Sanders and also Darrell Green. Because you’re looking at two guys that were fast, that can run like a deer. With Darrell Green and Deion, they were very physical at the line of scrimmage. So I had my work cut out when I had to face those guys. And when we talk about different matchups, Deion and I, we joke about this today, the night before the game, we couldn’t sleep because we know the battle we’re going to have the next day. But it was a battle that was out of respect because I know he was talented and it was something you live for each ball game."

The entire transcript may be found at San Francisco examiner.com .

Darrell Ray Green was a first round draft pick by the Washington Redskins in 1983. He spent his entire career with Washington and was feared for his legendary speed.

Green was elected to seven Pro Bowls and was named All Pro in 1986, 1987, 1990, and 1991. He holds the NFL record for most consecutive seasons (20) with at least one touch (by reception, rush, or return), a record he shares with Rice.

Green was a first ballot inductee to the NFL Hall Of Fame in 2008 in an emotional ceremony for him and Redskins fans everywhere.