Tag Archives: reggie rucker

Rucker, Reggie

Upper Deck Legendary Signatures 2006, #43

CARD: Upper Deck Legendary Signatures 2006
ACQUIRED: 2018, Future Considerations

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • 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.)

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