BRISTOL, Connecticut (Ticker) -- Just being a member of the Denver Broncos was not good enough for Jerry Rice.

Rice, the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, announced his retirement at an afternoon press conference Monday.

The announcement from Rice comes just a day after he learned that he made the 53-man roster and just hours after meeting with Broncos coach Mike Shanahan. The 42-year-old was one of six receivers on the squad.

After discovering that he would not be among Denver's top three receiving options, Rice, who leads the NFL in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns, decided to end his historic career.

Playing sparingly with the Seattle Seahawks in 2004, Rice signed with the Broncos during the summer with the hope of being the team's third receiver.

Charlie Watts won the No. 3 spot behind Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie with a strong performance in Denver's 30-21 preseason victory over Arizona on Friday. Charlie Adams was also in the mix for that spot.

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