Outrage unnecessary: Largent proud to let Rice wear his number

Seahawks fans from all over the area and points beyond weighed in on Jerry Rice wearing jersey No. 80, an action met with little to no favor.

But the man who gave Rice his blessing to wear the most sacred jersey number in the history of the Seahawks stood behind his decision to do so.

Largent, reached in Washington, D.C., yesterday, said the strength of Rice's gesture of calling him to inquire about wearing the number was enough for Largent to loan it to Rice.

The Seahawks acquired Rice, the NFL's all-time leading receiver, in a trade Tuesday. Rice made his practice debut — clad in a blue No. 80 warmup jersey — yesterday at team headquarters in Kirkland.

"I appreciate the outrage, but they don't need to do it for me," Largent said, speaking of the fans who expressed bitterness over Rice wearing the Hall of Fame receiver's old number. "I appreciate their sentiment in that regard, but it goes without saying, Jerry Rice is a special player. Frankly, I'm proud that he asked."

Largent, who serves as president and CEO of the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association based out of the nation's capital, considers himself a friend and fan of Rice. The two know each other from their NFL playing days — Rice's fifth pro season was 1989, the year Largent retired.

Largent learned of the possibility of a trade, and the chance that Rice would ask for the number, on Monday. The next day, upon Rice's arrival in Seattle, the new Seahawk called Largent.

"He was very respectful and said he'd been traded and wanted to feel me out about wearing No. 80 in Seattle," Largent said. "I just told him that I'm the No. 1 fan in the Jerry Rice Fan Club. We've had a friendship for many years."

Largent, who at 50 is only eight years older than Rice, said he was happy the Seahawks dealt for Rice. Three thousand miles to the west, Rice was in the middle of practice as Largent spoke. After practice, Rice reiterated his gratitude to Largent for the use of No. 80 — continuing a coast-to-coast lovefest.

"I have a lot of respect for him, but it just went sky high," Rice said. "He didn't have to do this. When he told me it would be an honor for me to wear it, I can't say no to Steve Largent."

Said Largent: "I would never say no to him for any reason."

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com