It doesnโt guarantee success at the next level, but you canโt ask for much more if youโre a kicker in his position.
โHitting in front of a big crowd, playing on national TV quite a bit, was really good for preparing all of us that have come out of there for more big crowds and more exposure on TV and in the media,โ Tucker said. โSo, in that regard, Iโm really thankful for the overall environment that I was brought up in.โ
After enjoying life as the big man on campus at Texas, Tucker had to start over upon signing a contract with the Ravens as a rookie free agent in May.
But after proving himself worthy of the job โ for now, anyway โ Tucker stood as the center of attention at the podium Monday, answering reportersโ questions as linebacker Ray Lewis yelled out to him, โDonโt tell them too much, Tuck!โ
It was quite a change from where he stood not long ago when he was just โthe other kickerโ in camp to his veteran teammates.
His eyes still became wide at the thought.
โI was saying a couple of weeks ago, somebody [asked], โHave you met Ray Lewis yet?โโ Tucker said. โAnd I said, โYeah, probably one of the first times in a long time Iโve been sort of star-struck.'โ
But the time for all that is over.
The 37-year-old heart of the Ravens is now counting on him to simply do his job.
Tucker right back to work after winning kicking job for Ravens

Luke Jones
Luke Jones is the Ravens and Orioles beat reporter for WNST BaltimorePositive.com and is a PFWA member. His mind is consumed with useless sports knowledge, pro wrestling promos, and movie quotes, but he often forgets where he put his phone. Luke's favorite sports memories include being one of the thousands of kids who waited for Cal Ripken's autograph after Orioles games in the summer of 1995, attending the Super Bowl XXXV victory parade with his dad in the pouring rain, and watching the Terps advance to the Final Four at the Carrier Dome in 2002. Follow him on social media @BaltimoreLuke or email him at Luke@wnst.net.
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