He admitted to knowing exactly what he needed to reach two milestones against the St. Louis Rams, the team for which he played his first 14 NFL seasons.

Bruce became the fifth player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career receptions. He also moved past Tim Brown for second place on the league's all-time list for receiving yards. And those catches and yards did not go to waste, either.

Bruce's 1,000th catch was a 3-yard touchdown grab that brought the 49ers within striking range late in the fourth quarter. Later, he caught an 8-yard pass that set the stage for the game-winning touchdown pass, which rookie Josh Morgan hauled in. The 49ers defeated the Rams 17-16 at the Edward Jones Dome.

"For the fans' sake, (it was important) to be done here in St. Louis because they saw so many of the catches," said Bruce, who received warm receptions from the crowd throughout the game. It's the lineage of great wide receivers who have come through the 49ers and Rams. It's big - big for the city, big for both organizations."

San Francisco coach Mike Singletary called on Bruce in the post-game locker room. His 49ers teammates greeted him with cheers of "Bruuuuuce!" Some were pleading for the taciturn receiver to speak. Bruce merely nodded in appreciation.

"Whatever Isaac is drinking, you need to figure out what it is because it's good stuff," Singletary told the team.

Bruce last week was named the winner of the Len Eshmont Award for inspirational and courageous play in a vote of his teammates. It is considered the 49ers' most prestigious team honor. Bruce leads the 49ers with 59 catches for 827 yards and seven touchdowns.

"He just keeps coming week-in and week-out," Singletary said. "He is the consummate pro. I'm very happy he is with us, and continues to show his leadership."