Norwich University

One of the finest players ever to wear a football uniform at Norwich University, Paul Ricker is one of two inductees this evening who went on to have successful careers in professional sports after receiving degrees from Norwich.
Paul was a starting tight end for the NU football team during three winning seasons from 1976 to 1978. His collegiate coach, Barry Mynter calls him "the best tight end I ever had... He was bigger and faster than any kid we ever had at Norwich." 
Ricker used his size and speed to earn a spot on the ECAC all-star team in both his junior and senior seasons. He finished his college career with 76 pass receptions for 1,430 yards and nine touchdowns while helping Norwich win 67 percent of its games in his three years as a starter. 
Paul began pursuing his dream of playing professionally upon graduating from Norwich. After a pair of unsuccessful tryouts with the New England Patriots and one with the Buffalo Bills, Paul finally got his break in 1983. That year, he was drafted by the Chicago Blitz of the United States Football League. He not only made the team but managed to win a starting job at tight end by beating out All-American Tim Wrightman of UCLA. Paul started every game that year and finished with 47 receptions and seven touchdowns as the team won its division. A year later, he caught 45 passes and scored six touchdowns in leading the team to the league championship game. He was named the leagues Player of the Week three times that season.
In 1985, the Patriots offered Paul a signing bonus and invited him to attend their preseason campi again. He played in every exhibition game for the team during that preseason and received a game ball for his special teams play against Kansas City. Unfortunately, he would end up being one of the last players cut from a Patriot team which would go on to play for the Super Bowl that season.
Paul eventually retired from football and has since become a successful businessman. He now owns Ricker Construction Company and he was responsible for developing the first affordable housing project in Hamilton, Massachusetts. Paul also serves as chairman of the Hamilton Department of Public Works. He and his wife, Ann, have three children; Paul, Mark, and Laura.