Rucker's farewell: As classy as it gets

Slideshow of Rucker's conference
Video from conference
Blog: Tom Talks

It was an honor to be at Mike Rucker's farewell press conference today. He spoke from his heart and, in doing so, revealed his heart. There was a strength to his voice as he displayed a passion for God, his wife and family, Jerry Richardson and the Panthers organization, his coaches and trainers, the game he is leaving behind, and -- as he said, "last but not least" -- his teammates.

"There's nothing like going to battle with your comrades," Rucker told at least 25 current and former players gathered in the team meeting room, including quarterback Jake Delhomme. "That's one of the biggest things I'll miss. I love you dudes. I'd do it all over again. I want you to know I gave it all I had. I laid it on the line for you."

Earlier, in speaking from the podium to coach John Fox, Rucker said, "The tank is empty ... it's empty."

Rucker said it was difficult to bid farewell to football after nine NFL seasons, but he said he's also joyful. In remembering a telephone conversation earlier today with his brother Martin, a Missouri tight end expected to be a mid-round pick in this weekend's draft, he talked of how exciting it is when you're reading a good book to turn the page to the next chapter.

That's what today was about -- turning the page in Rucker's life from football to life after football. Owner Jerry Richardson advised him to retire now, rather than possibly spending a year or two with another team in another city. It's rare these days for a player to spend his entire career in one place, and Rucker agreed with Richardson that was the way he wanted to go out. He plans to remain in the Charlotte area and continue pursuing the business and community activities he's already begun.

Rucker eloquently thanked almost everyone there. First he thanked God, then his wife, then Jerry Richardson, then GM Marty Hurney, then coach John Fox ... on and on down to the equipment guys and even the media. To each one he named, he made personal remarks.

It was clear he meant every word.

"You mean a lot," he kept saying as he directly addressed people during his speech. "You mean a lot."

It's a virtual certainty that the people there would say the same thing to Rucker. He left the organization better than it was when he arrived nine years ago.

When his speech was over, everyone -- reporters included -- stood and applauded.

A few moments later, defensive coordinator sat Mike Trgovac sat in the back of the room and said Rucker and his good buddy Mike Minter, the former Panthers' safety who retired last year, are precisely the type of players and people the Panthers hope they can get in the NFL draft this weekend.

The Panthers will be mightily blessed if that happens.

-- Charles Chandler