Jerry Rice receiving for Dog Football

Despite being dubbed the greatest player in NFL history by no less an authority than the league itself, Jerry Rice has had a dog of a career as a video game pitchman. While his quarterback counterpart Joe Montana fronted a litter of successful Sega football games, the only bone Rice has been thrown was as cover costar for 2K Sports' All-Pro Football 2K8, an underwhelming gridiron game despite the developer's notable pedigree.

The Hall of Fame receiver will make his return to games this spring, as developer Judo Baby chose this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to unveil Jerry Rice and Nitus' Dog Football for the Wii. The studio has named Rice as the new commissioner of its Pet Sports League, a new franchise of titles that will see the retired NFLer "guide future development in accordance with authentic sports rules and practices." It is unclear what responsibilities will be given to Nitus, Rice's dog.

Jerry Rice and Nitus' Dog Football offers gamers eight-on-eight football action, with human quarterbacks serving as field generals and game managers for a squad of seven canine teammates. It's not as simple as a game of fetch, as players must direct their doggie receivers around obstacles in a dozen different themed playfields, including hills and streams.

Players will be able to choose from 14 different playable quarterbacks and 20 dog breeds, including golden retrievers, boxers, Scottish terriers, and poodles. They will also be able to customize their team as they see fit, outfitting them with various uniforms, hats, and shoes.