Martin Rucker (American football)

Martin Rucker, Jr. (born May 4, 1985) is an American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Missouri, and was recognized as an All-American. He was chosen by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft, and has also been a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL.

Early years
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.

College career
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.

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 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, 2010. On September 13, 2011, he was waived by Dallas.

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.