NFL legend Rice to host, play in 2010 Stonebrae Classic

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Badz/PGA TOUR

Jerry Rice often participates in PGA TOUR-sanctioned celebrity pro-ams, and now he will be a Nationwide Tour tournament host.

Sep. 29, 2009

HAYWARD, Calif. -- The PGA TOUR's Nationwide Tour and the Stonebrae Classic have announced that NFL legend Jerry Rice will serve as tournament host and that the Jerry Rice 127 Foundation has been named as the "primary receiver" of the charitable proceeds generated by the annual event at TPC San Francisco Bay at Stonebrae. An accomplished golfer, Rice also will receive a sponsor's exemption to compete against the pros.

"I have a tremendous respect for professional golfers and an appreciation of the Nationwide Tour, because of the way it provides aspiring golfers a chance to pursue their careers," said Rice, a former 49ers and Raiders great who came out of a small college in Mississippi to become recognized as the NFL's all-time top wide receiver. "Also, I am excited for the opportunity to play in the tournament and experience that level of competition."

The Stonebrae Classic is scheduled for April 12-18, 2010, at TPC San Francisco Bay at Stonebrae, located atop the rugged East Bay hillside overlooking San Francisco Bay. The field of 144 plays 72 holes of stroke play, and all four rounds are to be televised live by GOLF CHANNEL.

Now 46, Rice is one of the greatest performers in Bay Area sports history. His 20 seasons in the NFL were spent mostly on both sides of the bay, with San Francisco (1985-2000) and Oakland (2001-2004). Rice set seven NFL career receiving records and dozens of other records, including many for the Super Bowl. He holds the NFL records for most TD receptions (197) and total TDs (208), and his 22,895 receiving yards is nearly 8,000 more than the next closest player (former Raider Tim Brown).

Formed in 2005, the Jerry Rice "127" Foundation is designed to support various children's organizations. The relationship with the Stonebrae Classic allows Rice to re-launch his Foundation, setting new goals and expanding its outreach. A champion of numerous organizations, Rice has become a national spokesman for the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, relating his use and support of chiropractors.

Still a hugely popular figure in the football world, Rice gained even more national attention after he retired, when in 2006 he competed on "Dancing With The Stars" and reached the finals of the reality TV competition.

"We are honored to form this partnership with Jerry Rice and the 127 Foundation," said Jody Brothers, Tournament General Manager. "Golf fans throughout the Bay Area will have the unique opportunity to see Jerry up close during the special festivities we have planned for the week. He has proved to be the best at everything he does, so there is no reason to think he won't make the Stonebrae Classic the best tournament on the Nationwide Tour."

Eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in 2010, Rice's work ethic was unparalleled on the football field -- and he has channeled his competitive desire into his golf game. Rice has participated in numerous celebrity Tour events, finishing 10th in this summer's Celebrity Championship in Lake Tahoe, earning $10,000 in prize money.

"The Jerry Rice 127 Foundation is a terrific addition to the Stonebrae Classic and the Nationwide Tour family," said Nationwide Tour president Bill Calfee. "It is exciting to have one of the premiere sports legends in the United States partnering with the Stonebrae Classic and providing his Hall of Fame level of encouragement to our players as they seek to transition to the PGA TOUR."

Proceeds from the Stonebrae Classic also will benefit charities throughout the East Bay, particularly those who participate in selling tickets through the TICKETS Fore CHARITY? program. The Stonebrae Classic also is part of the PGA TOUR's Birdies for the Brave military outreach program.

For more information about the Stonebrae Classic, call (510) 728-7878, or visit www.stonebraeclassic.com