The Seahawks retired 80 for Steve Largent. Then Jerry Rice was acquired and whined for 80. The Seahawks disgracefully allowed Rice to wear it. Then Rice went to Denver and let Rod Smith keep 80. Rice took 19 (or was it 17? I don't quite recall).
Rice was definitely a prima donna there. Generally a class act, but if he was wearing 12 with the Niners and then got traded to the Jets in the tail end of his career, I'd be very unhappy if the Jets let him have the same number. I think Largent said something about it being okay. I'm sure Joe Namath would have, too. But in either case, it wouldn't be okay.
