Want to spot Rice in San Francisco? He’s a regular at this restaurant.
I like a variety of foods—steakhouse, Italian, whatever. But there is one place here in San Francisco I’d recommend for anyone. It’s called Crustaceans and has this pasta with roasted garlic and roasted crab. You put a little bib on, then they bring it to you out of the shell and you have to just eat it right there.
Take a trip to China, but be prepared for the cultural differences.
When you go to China, the tradition, the history—the Great Wall? It’s unbelievable to stand on it. There’s so much scenery. And in Shanghai? I’m just gonna tell you this one thing: The bathrooms are totally different. I’m going to leave it at that.
If you want to play a foursome of golf with him, book a stay here.
I love Hawaii for the hospitality, and the weather is unreal. I remember going there for many years doing football camp. Now I go over to Ko Olina a lot to play golf, and I like to surprise people at the golf course and get a pick-up game. They have no idea I’m coming, and all of sudden they’re in my foursome. I’m one of those guys that likes to get to the golf course early and warm up the right way, hitting some balls, rolling some putts. And I use social media to tell people where I’m going to be. At Ko Olina, I call the pro shop and ask if any tee time is available. If someone is going off right after me, I invite them into my foursome and go out for a great round of golf. At first, they can be a little nervous, but I know how to relax people.
Have the mental toughness of the G.O.A.T.
If the plane is delayed, or a flight is canceled—and that happens a lot—or I get demoted to coach, even? As long as there’s a seat, I [know] I’m headed home. You gotta be able to adjust. It was the same thing when I played football: When things weren’t going right—or whatever, you’re going though some adversity—you have to fight through that. It’s the same with a flight [problem]. I know we all complain about airports, but you have to be patient and courteous to people. A lot of people that are stressed out at the airport, I try to make them smile.
Be a man of the people.
I’ve had people shake my hand as I go through security. It’s cool to be recognized. People say in whispers “Omigod, that’s Jerry Rice,” and if that makes their day, it’s worth it. The questions I get asked are fun: People want to know about my history, what made me want to play professional football, how I was able to endure for so many years. People don’t only look at me from football but from TV, because of Dancing with the Stars. [Rice was runner-up.] When I’m running to my flight, I’ve noticed women looking at me, and the dead giveaway is when they shimmy. I shimmy back. That happens a lot. You gotta let them know you’re human.