More schools should do this: Showcasing real world success of former players
Martin Rucker was one of the best players in the Gary Pinkel era of Missouri football. Earning both Freshman All-America and First Team All-America honors, the pass-catching tight end helped guide Mizzou to the Big 12 North championship in 2007 and closed his career with a 38-7 thumping of Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl.
After a fourth round selection by the Cleveland Browns in the 2008 draft, Rucker spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs before a torn ACL ended his career. Though his playing career is done, his professional career is just taking off. Rucker has started Body By Ruc, his own personal training enterprise in the Kansas City area.
Every single school in America touts its ability to prepare its players for life after football. Every single one. But not many schools actually follow their players into the real world and give a first-person example like this.
