"I would love that, to be honest with you," Rice, who is preparing to coach the Pro Bowl flag football game, said on Monday. "I think we have had talks about that. It could happen."
Rice emphasized that he is not campaigning for the honor.
"If they want to show me love like that, I would gladly welcome that, but I'm not the type to just push it," he added.
Meanwhile, 49ers owner Jed York confirmed his openness to the idea during a conversation with Kay Adams on Tuesday.
"He is the original GOAT," York said. "Let's commission it. Jerry, you tell me—wherever you want it, we've got you, bud."
Asked what the statue might look like, York promised it would be bold.
"It's something big," he said. "It's something flamboyant. It's something that matches the greatest football player ever."
With both Rice and York expressing enthusiasm, the possibility of a statue seems closer than ever. Honoring the Hall of Fame wide receiver in this way would not only celebrate his record-breaking career but also cement his legacy at Levi's Stadium for generations of 49ers fans to admire.
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