Educator and former football player Marcus Rucker of Houston, Texas.

There are many examples of excellent teachers who have also earned recognition as fine athletes. One of these is Marcus Rucker, a high school educator who also played professional football.

Marcus Bernard Rucker was born in El Dorado, Union County, Arkansas, on April 20, 1985. As a teenager, Marcus attended Magnolia High School in magnolia, Arkansas, graduating in 2003. While in high school, Marcus played in the Arkansas All-Star game, and was twice voted Most Valuable Player by his team-mates. In his senior year he was named a finalist for the Landers Award, an honor given to the top high school player in the state. A well-rounded athlete, Marcus also participated in track and basketball. In addition to his success in athletics, Marcus earned membership in the National Honor Society, the Mu Alpha Theta society, and placed on the Honor Roll all four years.

After his high school graduation, Marcus enrolled at Rice University, a private research facility located in Houston, Texas. There he double majored in Economics and Sports Management. While there, Marcus played college football for the Rice University Owls.

In 2007, Marcus attended training camp with the Seattle Seahawks of Seattle, Washington, but was not signed to play with the team. However, in September of that year, the 6′, 200-pound linebacker did sign with Canada’s Saskatchewan Roughriders, where he was placed on their development squad.

When his career as a pro football player was complete, Marcus enrolled in the Teach for America program. That was 2011. That year, he was assigned to teach high school in an inner-city school in Houston, Texas. Currently this amazing athlete and professional educator serves on the leadership team of YES Prep Public Schools, Eisenhower Senior High, in Houston.

Way to go, Marcus!