A tearful Mike Rucker said goodbye to football Tuesday, retiring from the Carolina Panthers as the team's second-leading tackler and one of the franchise's most beloved players. The defensive end broke down several times as he thanked scores of people, from owner Jerry Richardson and coach John Fox to the trainers, security staff and equipment managers he befriended after spending all nine seasons of his career in Charlotte. More than two dozen of his current and former teammates attended the news conference. His wife, gripping tissues, watched from the front row as Rucker reversed a decision made 10 weeks ago when he announced plans to play for at least one more season. "I just want you to know that I gave you everything I got," Rucker told Fox. "The tank is empty. It's empty." (Updated 04/22/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/16/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Rucker, who played college football at Nebraska, was Carolina's second-round pick in 1999. At 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, Rucker had the combination of size and quickness that made him one of the anchors of the Panthers' defensive line. Rucker helped Carolina reach the Super Bowl in the 2003 season and the NFC championship game in 2005, and he ranks second in the team's 13-year history with 553 tackles and 55 1/2 sacks. He was also involved in numerous off-field charitable activities and business interests in the Charlotte area, including a day-care center he opened several years ago. (Updated 04/22/2008).
No information available at this time.
No information available at this time.
A tearful Mike Rucker said goodbye to football Tuesday, retiring from the Carolina Panthers as the team's second-leading tackler and one of the franchise's most beloved players. The defensive end broke down several times as he thanked scores of people, from owner Jerry Richardson and coach John Fox to the trainers, security staff and equipment managers he befriended after spending all nine seasons of his career in Charlotte. More than two dozen of his current and former teammates attended the news conference. His wife, gripping tissues, watched from the front row as Rucker reversed a decision made 10 weeks ago when he announced plans to play for at least one more season. "I just want you to know that I gave you everything I got," Rucker told Fox. "The tank is empty. It's empty." (Updated 04/22/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/16/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Rucker, who played college football at Nebraska, was Carolina's second-round pick in 1999. At 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, Rucker had the combination of size and quickness that made him one of the anchors of the Panthers' defensive line. Rucker helped Carolina reach the Super Bowl in the 2003 season and the NFC championship game in 2005, and he ranks second in the team's 13-year history with 553 tackles and 55 1/2 sacks. He was also involved in numerous off-field charitable activities and business interests in the Charlotte area, including a day-care center he opened several years ago. (Updated 04/22/2008).
