Reggie Rucker played college ball at Boston University as a WR and PR.
Undrafted in 1969, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys.
He’d be buried on the depth chart, spending time on and off the taxi squad while recovering from injury.
Cut in 1971, he spent about a month on the Giants.
Broke into the starting lineup with the Patriots in 1972, after signing with the team in late ’71.
Rucker became an impact player for Cleveland after being traded to the Browns in 1975.
Led the league among wide receivers that year with a career high 60 catches.
Had best season in ’78 with 43 receptions for 893 yards and 8 TDs.
Retired in 1982 due to lingering knee injuries.
ACCOLADES:
Boston University HOF 1978
NOTES:
An argument could be made that Reggie Rucker could’ve been the proto Bo Jackson of the 70s. A letterman in FOUR sports, Reggie didn’t just letter- he was damn good at both football and baseball. He had that X-factor that allowed him to make big plays on the big stage when the team needed it most. His stats are also heavily impacted by the ‘dead ball era’ of football during the ’70s.
Rucker has had a controversial career since retirement. He went into broadcasting and was considered an up and coming personality in the ranks, but his image was tarnished after he was caught fabricating a story. Eventually his role was diminished so much that eventually he left the profession all together.
(Now, it seems like a big deal maybe, but keep in mind, in this day and age, there are plenty of color commentators who have been busted fabricating talking to the coach during halftime that have just shrugged it off and continue on.)
CARD: Pro Set 1990 Super Bowl Insert HACK ACQUIRED: 2023, Consignment
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Kurt Warner is the true rags to riches story of football history.
Played college ball at tiny University of Northern Iowa.
Didn’t see any significant playing time until senior season in ’93, posting for 2,982 yards and 17 TDs.
Undrafted in ’94, was a camp arm for the Green Bay Packers.
Out of football as a grocery stocker, decided to join the Arena Football League, playing for the Iowa Barnstormers in ’95.
After setting numerous records for the Barnstormers, signed with the St. Louis Rams in 1997 and allocated to the Amsterdam Admirals of the NFLE for play in ’98.
After leading the NFLE in passing, Warner returned stateside and spent the NFL season riding the bench.
It’d be in ’99 that fate happened Kurt’s way.
With backup QB Steve Bono departing in free agency and starting QB Trent Green injured, Kurt Warner found himself atop the team depth chart.
He’d finish 325 of 499 for 4353 yards and 41 TDs leading the Rams to a Super Bowl win against the Tennesee Titans.
In 2000, Warner led the Rams back to the playoffs, but the Greatest Show on Turf lost to the Saints.
2001 saw Warner lead the NFL in multiple passing categories and the Rams to a 14-2 record, but the team lost the Super Bowl to the New England Patriots.
Warner went into a slump in 2002, that continued into 2003.
In 2004, Kurt was cut by the Rams and then joined the New York Giants.
It was a tough year for Warner, as lingering issues and injuries, taking their toll, along with numerous sacks.
He then packed his bags to play for the Arizona Cardinals for the 2006 season.
By this time fans thought of Warner as being washed up, but he saved the best for last.
The age was showing on Warner, and he’d have to constantly look over his shoulder as first round pick Matt Leinart was expected to pick up the reins soon.
After a great start, Leinart replaced Warner at QB in week 4 for most of the remainder of the ’06 season.
With Leinart the starter, Warner replaced him off the bench in week 4 after an injury ended Matt’s season.
Warner threw for a career high 484 yards in a loss to the ‘9ers that year.
This culminated in him again winning the starting QB job for the Cardinals in ’08.
Kurt would lead the Cardinals to an improbable Super Bowl appearance- their first in the modern Super Bowl era.
Finished the season with 4,583 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and completed 67.1% of his passes.
Lost Super Bowl XLIII to the Pittsburgh Steelers last minute heroics 27-23.
Threw for 377 yards in the loss, and compiled a 112.3 QB rating in the game.
In 2009 became the first QB to throw for 14,000+ yards for two separate teams, and the second to throw 100+ TDs for two different teams.
Cardinals lost in the divisional round to the New Orleans Saints that year, as Warner sustained an injury.
He’d retire after the post season concluded.
Kurt has spent a lot of time catching up with his kids since retirement while going into coaching.
He’s also been a commentator for Spring Leagues, notably the Arena Football League and the AAF.
ACCOLADES:
NFL MVP 1999, 2001
Super Bowl XXXIX MVP
All-Arena 1996-97
Iowa Barnstomers Hall of Fame
Iowa Barnstormers #13 retired
Bert Bell Award 1999
Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor
Walter Payton Man of the Year 2008
Bart Starr Award 2010
NOTES:
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d secure Kurt Warner at such a friendly price point, but after biting my nails, the consignment came through- and it looks glorious. While Kurt does sign through the mail, he only signs a testament card- which is nice, but leaves collectors in the dust on their own set needs.
I was eager to get him, not only on this beautiful card I created of him, but also because he’s the greatest testament to what Spring Football such as the Arena League and the NFLE can do for a player. In Kurt’s case, he needed to get more experience, confidence, and faith to face what he’d encounter in the NFL. Eventually it ‘all slowed down for him’ and he surpassed all expectations, making 3 Super Bowl appearances.
A devout Christian, some pundits slammed him for thanking Jesus Christ for helping him win his Super Bowl MVP, but myself, personally I found it refreshing that he’d do such a thing. Now it seems commonplace for players to wear their faith on their shoulder after winning a big game.
On occasion when I was attending AAF contests of the Commanders, Kurt gave commentary from a mobile studio on the sidelines very close by. I didn’t have anything then but it was still nice to see him show his skills and support Spring Football as well.
Briefly was on the off-season roster of the Browns that year.
Joined the Arena Football League in 1993, playing for the Thunderbolts through ’94, when the team folded.
Played for the Tampa Bay Storm from 95-98′.
Traded to the Iowa Barnstormers in ’98.
Played one final season in the Arena leagues for the Orlando Predators in 1999.
ACCOLADES:
1996 Arena Defensive Lineman of the Year
Arena Football League All-Star 1993
All-Arena 1995-’96
NOTES:
After I saw Kent’s autograph pop up on EBay, I started researching his address and was pretty confident I found a circumstantial fit near Omaha. I shot this request out shortly after and waited, and albeit a bit later than I figured, I got a hit. For only having one card, Kent Wells’ Wild Card World League card is an absolute winner.
TAC
SAC
FUM
INT
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
N/a
3.0
0
0
0
-.-
0
-.-
WL
TAC
SAC
FUM
INT
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
66
13.0
1
0
0
-.-
0
-.-
ARENA
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