Jerry Rice Stickum Gloves And The Ban Of The Adhesive By NFL

Lester Hayes stickum catch had a total of 25 interceptions starting from his debut season in 1977 before it was banned in 1981.

In 1980, he managed 13 interceptions in the regular season and an additional 5 in the playoffs courtesy of the stickum. He was infamous for using an adhesive substance on the gloves to enhance their grip and intercept passes better.

The stickum was introduced to him by his teammate Fred Biletnikoff in 1977 and both went on to win the Super Bowl in 1980 with the Raiders. Hayes was later named the Defensive Player of the Year.

The way he used the adhesive could not have gone without notice as he was smearing it all on his body. Without it, Hayes could not manage more than 4 interceptions a season and a total of 14 interceptions in his next six seasons.

NFL Stickum

Lester Hayes rule was implemented in 1981 after the infamous Lester Hayes dominated games using Stickum.

He not only applied the adhesive to his gloves but almost every other part of his body. It was majorly used in the late 70s and early 80s with Hayes being highly associated with the substance.

The use of viscous liquid was prominent and a normal occurrence in the NFL before it was banned. Hayes used about half a jar of Stickum per game and the substance dripping from his hands and uniform was easily visible.

Even with the rule being implemented in 1981, Jerry Rice, in 2015, admitted to using the substance and stated that everybody in the league used it even after it was banned.

Stickum was made of resin in the form of wax which makes it sticky and glue-like.

The dark yellow and thick adhesive is mainly for hands as it betters the grip and is used in sports equipment and several other purposes.

It is available in the form of powder, spray, and, paste. The glue-like substance is advantageous and gives an extra edge to the players, especially in wet conditions.

Stickum Spray Football Gloves

Stickum for football gloves was made famous by Lester Hayes during his rookie season in 1977. It gives the player an advantage over others with ease in handling the football.

Jerry Rice who started his career in 1985, used the Stickum in the form of a spray. He said that most of the players used the illegal substance to improve their game and does not consider it cheating.

With it banned in the NFL, the introduction of Grip Boost and the 'sticky gloves' to the game has become a game-changer. It does not leave any kind of residue on the football and also aids in a better grip.

There is no need to use the adhesive in today's game with the sticky gloves doing the trick.

The Stickum was banned in the NFL as it is a foreign substance in football that aids in enhancing the grip and better handling of the football.

The glue-like substance is considered an illegal substance in the game.

The stickum is highly associated with Lester Hayes but many other players used the adhesive to gain advantage. Fred Biletnikoff was the one who introduced it. Cris Collinsworth admitted to using it on the Dan Patrick Show.

When Was Stickum Banned in the NFL

The Stickum was banned from the NFL in 1981 and is known as the 'Lester Hayes Rule' since then.

The infamous cornerback was an avid user of the now-banned substance from 1977 to 1980. Gaining advantage due to the gluey substance, the cornerback has the joint second-most interceptions in a season all-time.

YES! The Stickum is illegal in High School Football as it is a substance that is prohibited in the NFL.

The adhesive is an illegal substance that was banned in 1981. The players are barred from using any type of spray or glue to enhance the grip and any substance that leaves a residue on the ball.

However, the introduction of sticky gloves has been well-received by the players and is legal to use at all levels of competition. The gloves have made progress and are now a bit high-tech in nature.

YES! Jerry Rice did use Stickum in his career as a wide receiver. He started his illustrious career with the San Francisco 49ers in 1985 and has admitted to using the adhesive in his career that spanned two decades.

According to CBS SPORTS, in an interview in 2015 with ESPN, he freely acknowledged the use of Stickum and later, in a now-deleted tweet, stated that All players did it.

What Team Did Jerry Rice Play For

Jerry played for four teams in his 20-year-long career.

The two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1987, 1993) and the record holder for the Most Career Receptions of all time, Rice has had an outstanding career.

San Francisco 49ers (1985-2000)

After an amazing season with the Mississippi Valley State, the NFL scouts had Rice on their radar. Rice was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1985 and signed a rookie contract for five years.

In 1988 he won his first Super Bowl (XXIII) and was named the Super Bowl MVP, followed by another Super Bowl (XXIV) the following year. In 1995, Jerry went on to win his third Super Bowl (XXIX).

Oakland Raiders (2001-2004)

Rice was released in 2001 and was approached by the Oakland Raiders who signed him for 4 years. In his final year of the contract, he was traded.

Seattle Seahawks (2004)

With the start of the 2004 season and already into the seventh game, Rice was traded to the Seattle Seahawks. He went on to play 17 games in the 2004 season with 6 for the Raiders and 11 for the Seahawks.

Denver Broncos

In his final years as a professional football player, Jerry signed a contract with the Denver Broncos. He was already 42 at that time and never played for the Broncos.

Just before the 2005 season, Jerry Rice decided to hang up his boots.

How Many Seasons Did Jerry Rice Play

Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry played a total of 20 seasons in his long and illustrious career starting his career as a professional football player in 1985 and retiring in 2005.

Jerry Rice Rookie Card Worth

Jerry Rice Rookie Card value reaches its highest at $125,000.

The 1986 Topps RC #161, his rookie card, is worth from as low as $22 to a whopping $125,000. All prices are that of base cards and with time, the range keeps varying.

It is a vintage-looking card with Rice in action during a game. The rookie card minting was at its highest during the time Rice took on the field but somehow he has featured in only one edition.

According to SportsCardsPro, Rice's rookie card starts from $54 to #63,000. Ungraded- $54.25, Grade 7- $81, Grade 8- $188.55, Grade 9- $944.63, Grade 9.5- $6,706.05, and PSA 10- $63,000.

At PriceGuides.Cards, the value of the rookie card is up to $125,000.