Jerry Rice has won three Super Bowl championships and is one of the NFL’s most revered athletes. Fans far and wide insist he’s the best to ever play the sport and, fittingly, Rice made it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010, the first year he was eligible.
The reigning NFL touchdown and receptions leader boasts 36 league records in all, and he has achieved similar success off the field. The proud dad of four has deftly tackled ABC’s Dancing with the Stars competition (placing second!), won over new fans as a popular sports broadcaster, and he’s been a tireless champion of several charities and community programs, including his own Jerry Rice 127 Foundation and The 49ers Foundation, for which he serves as honorary chairman.
Here, the football legend runs down everything from his go-to golf courses and restaurants to his top shopping destinations.
Where do you live? I live in Atherton. It’s a great location because it is in between San Francisco and Santa Clara. I’ve lived in what we call the Peninsula area ever since I moved to California.
Why there? It was close to Candlestick Park where I played and close to the 49ers practice facility, which was originally in Redwood City, then later relocated to Santa Clara. It made my commute easy. I was only late once in my entire career—traffic can be tough!
Who or what is your greatest California love? The San Francisco 49ers.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? That everyone is an actor or a Silicon Valley entrepreneur.
What is the stereotype that most holds true? That Californians are active—that they like to be outdoors, eat healthier.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? If I go north—wine country is beautiful and not too far. I like Calistoga and the surrounding cities. I was married [to wife Latisha Pelayo] in 2019 at the Calistoga Ranch. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire in 2020. If I go south, then the 17-Mile Drive and Route 1 for the coastal views.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? I think California cuisine is the best. We are lucky because we have so many great local chefs and restaurants and they focus their dishes on what grows in the region, and healthier options. One of my favorite places to eat is the Sundance in Palo Alto. I enjoy a nice steak, some oysters, and sometimes a glass of red wine.
What is your favorite way to play in California? A round of golf at any of the beautiful courses: Pebble Beach, Olympic Club, Lake Merced. Or I catch a 49ers game.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? Stanford Shopping Center is my go-to because it’s close and has a variety of stores and restaurants.
Best California song? “California Love” by 2Pac featuring Dr. Dre, two West Coast music icons. It was released in 1995 and would get me fired up before a game.
How would your California dream day unfold? Wake up early, get a workout in, walk my dogs, and then enjoy a round of golf and then a nice dinner with my wife.