Carolina Panthers DE Mike Rucker called it quits today, saying, "I'm done" at his press conference. Rucker who, along with former teammate Mike Minter (another favorite of mine), is a devout Christian and owner of a Christian daycare, was a beloved Panther to me. He didn't always put up the best numbers, though he is number 2 in team history in both sacks and tackles, but you could tell that he laid it out on the line each and every snap of every game. A long time Panther of 9 years, pretty much since I started following the team, Rucker has been there. It's going to be weird not having #93 line up opposite Julius Peppers anymore.
It was clear that Rucker was not going to be a Panther next year, as the Panthers didn't offer him a new contract this offseason, but Rucker was going to try and play elsewhere, but has now decided otherwise to retire. Maybe it was because nobody was going to sign him. Or, maybe it was because he couldn't see himself playing in another uniform other than the only one he knew. Regardless, Rucker will always be remembered by me as a leader for this franchise. I know that he will be sorely missed inside the Panther locker room this year. Thanks for 9 great seasons, Mike.
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