Marcus Tucker, a 2016 Northern Michigan University criminal justice alumnus and former Wildcat football star, is the new head coach of Westwood High School's varsity football team. He played professionally over six years with the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers and the Canadian Football League's Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Tucker was a wide receiver and kick returner for the Wildcats from 2013-15, serving two seasons as a team captain. He was named Offensive Newcomer of the Year after his inaugural season, when he was the top receiver with 674 yards. Tucker earned the team's offensive MVP honor in 2014 and 2015. He was also named NMU's Male Athlete of the Year as a senior.
As a Steeler, he served on the practice squad and in some preseason games as a kick returner. In Canada, he played primarily wide receiver and slotback over 16 games in the 2019 and 2021 seasons (the 2020 schedule was canceled by the pandemic).
According to a Mining Journal story, Tucker has been in Marquette most recently, and was cited by recent NFL draft pick and former NMU football player Jake Witt as one of the people who worked with him during draft preparations.
“He also has done some (football) camps with our players, so he has a familiarity with them and they do with him,” said NICE Community Schools Superintendent Brian DeAugustine in the story. “We're thrilled to get a man of his talent to lead the Patriots.”
