ProFootballTalk.com's Top 25 In 25

No. 1 Jerry Rice.

Was it ever any doubt?  The one player who was head and shoulders (and other body parts) above and beyond all others at his position over the past 25 years was Jerry Rice.

Though several more years of excellence from Marvin Harrison could threaten records that, when Rice retired, seemed untouchable, the fact remains that Rice holds every career receiving record -- receptions, yards, and touchdowns -- and if Harrison isn't able to surpass these marks with Peyton Manning throwing to him, these marks might stand for the rest of the century.

A superb college career at Mississippi Valley State propelled Rice to first-round status in 1985, but a lack of straightaway speed in the 40-yard dash dropped him to the middle of the round.

Unfortunately for the Bills, Falcons, Oilers, Vikings, Colts, Lions, Packers, Bucs, Eagles, Jets, Oilers (again), Chargers, Bengals, Bills (again), and Chiefs, Rice ran faster than anyone else on the field with pads on his body, a helmet on his head, and a ball in the air.

He broke through in his second season, and the next year caught an uncanny 22 touchdown passes in a strike-shortened slate of 12 games.

Rice was a pioneer of the year-round athlete, honing his body and his skills constantly, with no offseason and never a hint of complacency.  He had one goal -- to be the greatest ever.

And, in our view, he achieved it.

Coming Tuesday:  The Honorable Mention list.