The Questions with Mike Rucker

Panthers Defensive End

What was yourwelcome-to-the NFL moment?
My rookie year [1999], when I got my first sack. It was on Jeff Blake of theBengals. The day was sunny, and I just came inside and got him. There's nothinglike it.

What was yourmost embarrassing moment?
It was Michael Vick's first year, and they left me free. And I was screaming; Ithought I had a kill shot. He ducked. I went right over the top of him, and hejust stood right back up.

Your favoriteoff-day activity?
Getting outdoors with the kids [Alexis, 4, and Mason, 2]. Sometimes we go inthe woods, find bugs.

If I weren't inthe NFL, I'd be ...
a park ranger. You're just out there with nature. It's peaceful to me.

If I werecommissioner for a day, I'd ...
give everybody a pay raise. Coaches, staff, equipment people--everybody wouldget a raise, just for a day.

LAST WEEK

The 6'5",275-pound Rucker, 31, had two sacks, one for a safety, in a 15--0 shutout ofSt. Louis.

THIS WEEK

Rucker, 31, goesagainst the Redskins, whose backup QB Mark Brunell, he sacked three times in a2003 game.

PHOTO

GRANT HALVERSON/GETTY IMAGES (RUCKER ACTION)

PHOTO

AL TIELEMANS (RUCKER HEAD SHOT)