McCoy Shocks NFL: Takes Antonio Brown Over GOAT Jerry Rice
Shady McCoy Picks Antonio Brown Over Jerry Rice: Why That’s a Hot Take (And Why It’s Still Wrong)
By Kevin Kinkead | Crossing Broad
The Quick Version (ELI5)
Imagine two kids arguing about who’s the better superhero. One kid says Spider-Man because he’s got the coolest moves right now. The other kid says Batman because he’s been saving Gotham for 20 years straight and never quits.
That’s basically what happened when former Eagles running back LeSean "Shady" McCoy said he’d take Antonio Brown (AB) over Jerry Rice — the widely accepted "Greatest Receiver of All Time."
Why Shady Thinks AB Is Better
Shady isn’t just making this up — he played against AB during his absolute prime (2013–2017). Here’s what made AB look unbeatable back then:
- 6 straight Pro Bowls (the NFL’s all-star game)
- Three seasons with 1,500+ receiving yards — plus one with 1,499 (so close!)
- 60+ touchdowns in that 5-year stretch alone
- Won a Super Bowl ring with the Buccaneers at ages 32 and 33
- 5 catches, 22 yards, 1 TD in that Super Bowl win
IMPORTANT POINT: During his peak (roughly 2013–2017), Antonio Brown was arguably the best receiver on the planet. He could do everything — run every route, catch in traffic, win one-on-one, you name it.
But Here’s Why Jerry Rice Still Wins the Argument
Jerry Rice didn’t just have a great peak — he had a great career. And not just "good for a long time" — elite for two decades.
| Stat | Jerry Rice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Seasons Played | 20 | Most receivers wash out by 30. Rice played until 42. |
| Career Receiving Yards | 22,895 | #1 all-time by a huge margin |
| Career Receiving TDs | 197 | #1 all-time — nobody’s close |
| Super Bowl Rings | 3 (1988, 1989, 1994) | Won with the 49ers dynasty |
| All-Pro Selections | 10× First Team | The best at his position ten times |
| Pro Bowls | 13× | Consistently voted among the best |
The "Old Man Rice" Mic Drop
At age 40, playing for the Raiders with quarterback Rich Gannon, Rice:
- Made the Pro Bowl
- Put up 1,211 yards
- Scored 7 touchdowns
And he wasn’t even the only weapon — he played alongside Tim Brown, Jerry Porter, and Charlie Garner. Defenses knew the ball was going to him… and still couldn’t stop him.
The "Different Eras" Problem
Comparing players across eras is like comparing a Game Boy to a Nintendo Switch — the rules, the competition, and the game itself changed.
- Rice’s era (1985–2004): More physical, less passing-friendly rules, tougher coverage allowed
- AB’s era (2010–2021): Rules protect receivers more, offenses throw way more, stats inflated
IMPORTANT POINT: Even with modern rules helping receivers, nobody has touched Rice’s longevity records. That tells you something special about him.
The Elephant in the Room: AB Quit on His Team
We can’t talk about AB without mentioning the Jets game (January 2022) — when he took off his pads, threw his glove into the stands, shirtless, ran off the field mid-game, and never played in the NFL again.
Jerry Rice? Never quit. Ever. Showed up. Worked. Produced. For 20 years.
So Who Would You Pick?
| If You Want… | Pick This Guy |
|---|---|
| The highest peak (best 5-year stretch ever) | Antonio Brown |
| The greatest career (dominance for 20 years) | Jerry Rice |
| A teammate who shows up every snap | Jerry Rice |
The author’s verdict: AB’s peak was higher. Rice’s career was greater. I’m taking Rice — but AB was absolutely electric in his prime.
Summary
- Shady McCoy prefers AB — biased by playing in his prime, but not crazy given AB’s 2013–2017 dominance
- AB’s peak was historic — 6 Pro Bowls, 60+ TDs, 3× 1,500-yard seasons
- Rice’s career is unmatched — 20 seasons, 22,895 yards, 197 TDs, 3 rings, 10× All-Pro
- Rice dominated at 40 — 1,211 yards, 7 TDs, Pro Bowl
- Character matters — Rice never quit; AB walked out mid-game
- Final call: Rice > AB overall, but AB’s prime was elite
FAQ
Was Antonio Brown actually better than Jerry Rice at his peak?
Yes, arguably. From 2013–2017, AB put up numbers and highlight-reel plays that nobody — not even Rice — matched in a 5-year window. He was uncoverable.
Why does Jerry Rice have so many more stats if AB’s peak was higher?
Longevity. Rice played 20 seasons at an elite level. AB played 9 full seasons before flaming out. Rice had eight 1,000-yard seasons after age 30. AB retired at 33.
Did rule changes help Antonio Brown’s stats?
Yes. The NFL changed rules to protect receivers (no hitting defenseless players, stricter pass interference, etc.) right as AB entered his prime. Rice played when DBs could mug receivers all game.
What does "First Team All-Pro" mean?
It means the best player at your position for that season, voted by experts. Rice got this honor 10 times. That’s like being named "Employee of the Year" a decade out of 20.
Why does the author mention AB quitting on the Jets?
Because greatness isn’t just talent — it’s reliability. Rice played through injuries, bad teams, old age, and never once walked off the field. That matters when comparing careers.
Kevin Kinkead has covered Philly sports since 2009. Former CBS 3 sports department. Boyertown HS → West Virginia University. Email: k.kinkead@sportradar.com