Despite Record, 49Ers’ Owens Lets Spotlight Shine On Rice’

He sat alone on the bench with his elbows perched on his knees and his head lowered.

The 49ers-Bears game, in its final minutes, played on like a mere backdrop as chants and cheers for Jerry Rice pulsated throughout 3Com Park on Sunday. The cameras followed Rice like a shadow, leaving fellow wide receiver Terrell Owens alone, away from the game, away from the team and away from the spotlight.

Owens had just set an NFL record for most receptions (20) in a game. Rice was probably playing in his last game in San Francisco as a 49er. It was the kind of day that can awe even a man who wears confidence like a second jersey.

“I was just trying to take in everything that happened today,” Owens said. “This day was for Jerry. It’s just incredible to see a guy play as long as he has, to be a part of something that special. I just sat there trying to visualize what that day will be like for me.”

On a day designated for Rice’s home farewell, Owens played better than ever.

Owens shattered the 50-year-old NFL record of 18 receptions in a game by catching 20 passes. His 283 yards were also only 6 shy of the franchise record that Rice set in 1988.