Martin Rucker (American football)

Martin Rucker, Jr. (born May 4, 1985) is an American former college and professional football player. He is currently (as of February 2016) running for State Representative in Missouri's 14th District. He played college football for the University of Missouri, and was recognized as a consensus All-American. He was chosen by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft, and has also played tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL.

Rucker was born in St. Joseph, Missouri. He is the younger brother of former NFL defensive end Mike Rucker and the son of politician Martin T. Rucker. He attended Benton High School in St. Joseph, and was a standout player for the Benton Cardinals high school football team.

Rucker attended the University of Missouri, where he played for coach Gary Pinkel's Missouri Tigers football team from 2004 to 2007. He was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American tight end, having been named to the first teams of the American Football Coaches Association and the Associated Press. Rucker finished his collegiate career with over 200 receptions, 2,175 yards, and 18 touchdowns.

Cleveland Browns

Rucker was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round (111th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft. He signed a contract with the team on July 22, 2008. Rucker caught two passes for 17 yards during the 2008 season, with both receptions resulting in first downs.

He was waived on September 22, 2009.

Philadelphia Eagles

Rucker was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad on September 24, 2009. He was promoted to the active roster on December 15. He was waived on August 9, 2010.

Dallas Cowboys

Rucker signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent on August 20, 2010. He was cut on September 4, 2010, and signed to the practice squad a day later. He was promoted to the active roster on December 1, while Scott Chandler was cut to make room for him. He returned one kickoff for 16 yards in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. On September 13, 2011, he was waived and re-signed to the practice squad.

Jacksonville Jaguars

On October 18, 2011, Rucker was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars off the Dallas Cowboys practice squad.

Kansas City Chiefs

Rucker signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on May 16, 2012, and was placed on the injured reserve list on June 13, 2012 with a torn ACL.

Retirement

On August 6, 2014, Rucker announced his retirement from the NFL and professional football.

Career statistics

In February 2016, Rucker announced his candidacy as a Democrat for the Missouri House of Representatives in the state's 14th congressional district.