NEW ORLEANS -- Randy Moss doesn't talk to the press often. But the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver made his hour of availability count at Super Bowl Media Day.
Moss was in good spirits Tuesday, talking about the 49ers' run, his painful past Super Bowl experience and his future. He also talked about his legacy ... and he wasn't shy about assessing his place in history.
"I think now that I'm older, I do think I'm the greatest receiver to ever do it," Moss said at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. "This year has been a down year for me, statistically. The year before I retired was a down year, and then in Oakland was a down year.
"I don't really live on numbers. I really live on impact and what you're able to do out on that field. I really do think that I'm the greatest receiver to ever play this game."
It's commonly accepted that Jerry Rice is the best wideout ever, and Moss doesn't approach Rice's numbers over 20 seasons. After hearing of Moss' self-evaluation, Rice told ESPN's Adam Schefter, "Put my numbers up against his numbers."
OK, we will. Rice played six more seasons than Moss, but Rice finished with 1,549 receptions to Moss' current total of 982. Rice is ahead of Moss in receiving yards (22,895 to 15,292), receiving touchdowns (197 to 156) and 100-yard receiving games (76 to 64), according to NFL research.
It's hard to argue Rice isn't a better player, though Moss wisely builds his defense around the impact he's had. From that standpoint, he has a decent case.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
