49ers' Moss: 'I'm the greatest receiver'

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NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- San Francisco 49ers receiver Randy Moss told reporters Tuesday he thinks he is "the greatest receiver to ever play this game."

Moss, meeting with reporters in New Orleans during the Super Bowl XLVII media day interviews, said despite coming off "a down year for me, statistically," he regards himself as the best receiver in NFL history.

"The year before I retired was a down year, and then in Oakland was a down year," he said. "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."

Moss has hauled down 982 passes for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns over a 14-year career with Minnesota (twice), Oakland, New England, Tennessee and the 49ers.

Most, however, consider ex-49ers star Jerry Rice, who is the NFL's all-time leader with 1,549 receptions and 22,985 yards, as the best-ever receiver.

Rice -- a 13-time Pro Bowl selection who played on three Super Bowl champion teams -- told ESPN: "I impacted the game by winning Super Bowls. Randy is still trying to win his first one, and I wish him the best, but I was very surprised that he said he's the best receiver to ever play the game. I leave that up to my fans to make that statement."