Jerry Rice isn't ready to give up the title of the NFL's all-time greatest receiver, not even to the awe-inspiring Megatron.
Nor should he.
As impressive as Calvin Johnson is -- and he's amazing to watch every time he steps on the field for the Detroit Lions -- let's wait another decade or so before putting him at Rice's level.
This isn't about a few seasons, it's about longevity. Rice did his thing at unbelievable levels for two freaking decades in the NFL.
The reality is that Johnson isn't even close to halfway to Rice's career records.
That's why Rice suggested earlier this week in an interview with USA TODAY that any debates over whether Johnson -- not Rice -- is the greatest receiver ever need to slow down.
"I think it's great that they're still talking about me after my career's over," Rice said.
"(Johnson) still has a ways to go.
"We're just going to let this guy continue to develop, and if he should break the majority of my records or break all my records, I'll be the first one to congratulate him. But I know the sacrifice that you have to put into it. It takes a lot of dedication, a lot of hard work."
Rice, now 51 years old, completed his 20-year professional career in 2004. He caught a total of 1,549 passes (1,008 more than Johnson) for 22,895 yards (14,155 more than Johnson) and 197 touchdowns (134 more than Johnson).
Johnson, by the way, has played his career during an era when the rules have been more favorable to the offense and the passing game.
What's more, Rice was named first-team All-Pro 11 straight years (Johnson has been named first-team once) and was a 13-time Pro Bowl selection (Johnson has been selected three times).
Rice appeared in four Super Bowls (three with San Francisco and one with Oakland), won three Super Bowl rings and was named the Super Bowl MVP once.
Johnson, 28, who is in his seventh NFL season, has never been on a team that even won a playoff game, much less has gone to or won the Super Bowl.
Don't misunderstand. There is sincere respect -- how could there not be? -- for what Johnson is accomplishing.
"I think (Johnson) has gotten so much better route running, and he doesn't just rely on his jumping ability anymore," Rice said. "That's why he's called Megatron. He's a hell of a lot (to handle) on that football field. Right now he's had about (63) touchdowns and he's going strong.
"I wish him the best. I know what type of work ethic he has. He's a complete player."
But while Johnson is the more freakish athlete at 6-foot-5, 236 pounds, nobody compares to Rice (6-2, 200 pounds) when it comes to total production as a receiver.
In reality, it's doubtful anyone will ever surpass him, including Johnson, who has been fighting through knee problems and is unlikely to play long enough to touch Rice's records.
Rice is great, Johnson is great.
For now, Rice remains greater. It's really not even close. Whoever is suggesting otherwise needs to stop and look at the numbers a little closer.
It's actually a bit of an insult to Rice, who performed at such a high level for such an incredibly long period of time.
Much longer than Johnson has done it so far.
"I'm not going to say I'm the greatest of all time," Rice told USA TODAY. "But it's safe he has a lot of work to do."
And probably not enough time to do it.
