A Closer Look: Marcus Tucker
Position: Wide Receiver
Experience: 1st Year
College: Northern Michigan
Twitter Handle: @JustHaveUno
Who is your football mentor or inspiration?
Darrius Heyward-Bey. He comes in every day, works hard. He was a first-round draft pick, but he works like he was one of the guys who still has to prove himself daily, day-in and day-out. I love how he helps the young guys out. He is so knowledgeable about the game, as far as the receiver spot and special teams goes. He is one of the guys I look up to as far as effort, working hard and knowledge.
What motivates you?
I want to be the best football player I can be. I think that is my biggest motivation. I want to do it for my family, for my teammates. I grew up in a household with all sisters. Football gives me the sense of brotherhood I never had growing up. That is why it's the ultimate team game and I love doing it.
What has been the biggest challenge you've had to overcome?
Getting where I am now coming from a Division II program where we didn't win many games. The challenge was getting an opportunity on a stage where I can display what I can do. I think I am a pretty good football player. When you aren't in front of people who can help you move forward in the game, that was my biggest challenge.
What scares you?
Not playing football. That is the biggest scare in my life. I have been playing the game so long. I am 25 right now. I have been playing football for so long. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have football right now.
When did you start to dream about playing in the NFL?
I was six years old. I got into Rocket football. My dad got me in it. At the time I wanted to be just like my older cousin, James Williams. I wanted to be just like him. I used to mimic him. I wore the same jersey he wore. I used to follow him around at practice when I was too little to play. I used to follow him and do everything he used to do. I wanted to be just like him. He had the dream of playing in the league, so I was like I want to go to the NFL too. That is where it started.
Why do you play football?
I love the game. It is the ultimate team game. I just love doing this. Whether I am the last guy, or the first guy, I want to come out and compete and give all of the effort I have.
What is your proudest football moment or memory?
It would be the plays that I made last preseason in Carolina. I got the opportunity to play and I felt like I made some plays that I thought helped us win. I am proud of that and I am looking forward to more moments like that.
When you hear Steelers football, what do you think?
I think tradition. I think pride. And I think championships.
What has been the biggest challenge you've had to overcome?
Getting where I am now coming from a Division II program where we didn't win many games. The challenge was getting an opportunity on a stage where I can display what I can do. I think I am a pretty good football player. When you aren't in front of people who can help you move forward in the game, that was my biggest challenge.
What scares you?
Not playing football. That is the biggest scare in my life. I have been playing the game so long. I am 25 right now. I have been playing football for so long. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have football right now.
When did you start to dream about playing in the NFL?
I was six years old. I got into Rocket football. My dad got me in it. At the time I wanted to be just like my older cousin, James Williams. I wanted to be just like him. I used to mimic him. I wore the same jersey he wore. I used to follow him around at practice when I was too little to play. I used to follow him and do everything he used to do. I wanted to be just like him. He had the dream of playing in the league, so I was like I want to go to the NFL too. That is where it started.
Why do you play football?
I love the game. It is the ultimate team game. I just love doing this. Whether I am the last guy, or the first guy, I want to come out and compete and give all of the effort I have.
What is your proudest football moment or memory?
It would be the plays that I made last preseason in Carolina. I got the opportunity to play and I felt like I made some plays that I thought helped us win. I am proud of that and I am looking forward to more moments like that.
When you hear Steelers football, what do you think?
I think tradition. I think pride. And I think championships.
