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A Husker Tackles Tampa

Barrett Ruud, Linebacker

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by Chris Kuhn

Published: December 12, 2007

For many fans, college football is serious business. To Barrett Ruud and his family, Husker football comes naturally and Memorial Stadium is like home.

"I grew up with it. The house I lived in is six or seven minutes away from the campus," he says. "It seemed like we were watching football daily."

Ruud comes from a long tradition of Nebraska football. His dad Tom, as well as two uncles and a great grandfather, left their legacy on that field in Lincoln, Neb. The third-year Bucs linebacker and younger brother Bo extended the tradition, sharing two years playing alongside each other at the university, where his brother continues to play.

While at Nebraska, Ruud earned the distinction of all-time leading tackler with 432 tackles, a record he still holds. "I'm proud of it. As a Cornhusker, you're always being watched closely. That's the big thing there, like basketball to North Carolina."

He continues to capture the attention of sportswriters and fans as he establishes himself as a reliable fixture on the Bucs defense. Earlier this season, Ruud achieved more consecutive starts in his career than ever before and led the league in tackles. As of this writing, he is tied for third but still within reach of regaining the top spot. What does it mean to the laid-back, good-natured linebacker?
"It shows you're consistent and doing a good job of being in the right place every week."

Ruud didn't plan to become a professional football player. "I never really thought about it. Up until I was a junior in college, football was just something to do." Though the business of professional football was new territory for Ruud, the 24-year-old admits his father's advice and guidance made it a far less bumpy ride. "It's a business and you can't get mad at people for their decisions," he says. "You're given a great chance and hopefully, you'll use it."

He agrees there is an odd irony of playing for the same coach who guided his father in college, Monte Kiffin, former defensive coordinator for the Huskers ('73-'76). But Ruud insists he's treated like everybody else "From what my dad's told me, [Kiffin] hasn't changed a lot in the past 30 years. And there are stories I can't tell, too," he laughs.

Since joining the Bucs, Ruud has gotten involved in the Tampa Bay community, lending a hand to fellow teammates' charity events whenever possible. He also has become personally tied to one organization whose cause is especially meaningful: the American Heart Association and its efforts to educate people about preventing heart disease. "My mom passed away from a heart attack, so when one of the ladies [at AMA] contacted me, I thought it was good to get involved," he says. "You can't plan for heart disease. My mom was a dietician, in perfect health. My friend's mom died the same way. You want to do something to prevent it, so any way you can help out or do something, it's worth it."

When Ruud's not taking part in community events or busy on the field, he is out and about in the Bay area sampling the best of Tampa's live music scene, hanging out at the beach or visiting the eclectic group of restaurants lining South Howard Avenue. In the spring, Ruud turns to his other passion. "I'm a pretty boring dude during the season because I'm so focused on football. But from February to May, I like to play golf three to five times a week," he says. "In my good stretches, I can shoot in the 70s."

Ruud is single and says the hardest part about finding the right woman is the added attention you receive as a professional athlete. "You do wonder sometimes, 'Does the person like me for me or for what I do or who I am?' Luckily, I'm not recognized as a football player much. Guys recognize me but not ladies usually." He says his ideal soul mate will be friendly and easygoing, someone who loves to laugh and have fun. "I'm not a confrontational person, so no lawyers who like to argue," he laughs.

Though his college studies focused on business, Ruud isn't sure that owning a business is in his future. "I want to be careful. I've talked with my dad, and he knows many guys who lost so much money from their investments by not doing their research. I want to take my time."

"I love the idea of teaching, so that might be interesting to do, after football," he adds.

Ruud understands that it takes time to build a reputation in the league as a solid player. "I'm a day to day kind of guy, so I want to keep improving. For a defensive player, individual accomplishments can be out of your control. I like to concentrate on the things within my control.

"I know that I'm pretty lucky to get to do what I've been doing."

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