Cleveland Browns: 5 best trades of all-time
By Thomas Moore
The Cleveland Browns were looking to rebuild their offense heading into the 1975 season and Sam Rutigliano knew just where to look.
Wide receiver Reggie Rucker had fallen from starting for the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V to the New York Giants before finally landing with the New England Patriots, where he formed a bond with Rutigliano, a member of the Patriots coaching staff.
Needing playmakers on offense, Rutigliano, now the Browns offensive coordinator, convinced the Browns to acquire Rucker from New England before the 1975 season for a fourth-round draft pick.
Rucker led the Browns in receptions in 1975, 1976 and 1978, along with leading the team in yardage for his first four seasons with the club.
The veteran receiver helped turn the Browns offense into the Kardiac Kids that terrorized NFL defenses and captured the hearts of Cleveland fans, while Rutigliano helped turn Rucker’s career around.
“There is no doubt in my mind that Sam saved my career,” Rucker said in 1980, according to the 2003 book, Kardiac Kids. “If it weren’t for him, I don’t know what I might be doing today, probably not playing football. Sam taught me so many things, on the field and off. I owe him so much. I’m doing my best to show him I appreciate his influence.”
In seven seasons with the Browns, Rucker totaled 310 receptions, 4,953 yards and 32 touchdowns, totals that place him on the Top 10 list in each category in franchise history.
Next: No. 4: A Championship Quarterback