Gregory, Tucker share special day with family

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Wednesday, Aug 27, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

Gerald Ratliff will never forget a promise that his son made to him roughly 10 years ago.

“Jyles used to be a little chubby,” said Ratliff, the father of Chargers linebacker Jyles Tucker. “He went out for the basketball team when he was in eighth grade, gave it his all but didn’t make it. He came home and told me he was never going to be told no again.”

Tucker has kept that promise, and that’s why Gerald and Karen Ratliff along with Stephen and Judy Gregory were able to celebrate at Chargers Park Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Tucker and teammate Steve Gregory signed new long-term contracts. On Tuesday their parents flew cross-country to enjoy the day.

“Steve is a good kid and he’s worked hard to earn everything he has,” Judy Gregory said. “He’s always been pretty quiet and kept to himself. He was never in trouble as a kid. He deserves every good thing that comes to him.”

Gregory and Tucker have a lot in common. Both joined the Chargers as undrafted free agents. Both learned new positions when they came to the NFL, both grew up in the Northeast. And they share the same agent, David Canter.

According to their parents, their backgrounds are somewhat similar as well. Both had parents that were heavily involved in their lives. After signing his contract Monday, Tucker was so overcome with emotion that the only words that came to him were thanks to his family.

“They’ve been my rock,” Tucker said. “I’m so blessed to have them.”

Gregory shared similar thoughts.

“My parents spent 20 years with the (New York Police Department) and worked so hard to take care of us,” Gregory said. “My dad coached me growing up and was so encouraging, and my mom was always there to support me as well.”

Tucker’s parents flew in from North Carolina and Gregory’s from New York City to congratulate their sons Tuesday. Their pride overflowed as they toured Chargers Park and spent some time in the locker room.

“I wanted Steve to be a good citizen above everything else and he certainly has been that,” the elder Gregory said. “It wasn’t about making it to the NFL. It was about being a reliable, nice person. I was so proud of him when he got his degree and this is another moment where I can be really happy for him.”

Ratliff chuckled in agreement when asked if it was his influence that made Tucker such a hard worker. Ratliff recently retired from a government job, moved his family from New Jersey to North Carolina and opened his own cleaning business. He hopes his new venture turns out as well as his son’s has.

“Everything Jyles has gotten into, he’s given it his all and he’s been successful,” Ratliff said. “I admire how hard he’s worked. I’m so proud of him.”

Tucker and Gregory are two of 10 current Chargers vets who joined the club as undrafted free agents. Their families spoke Tuesday of their gratitude towards the fact that the Bolts give young players like their sons a chance.

“I’ve never seen an organization that gives guys opportunities like the Chargers do,” Ratliff said. “Jyles was so determined to come here because he knew he’d have a chance. The coaches believed in him and it’s just been such a blessing. I know Steve’s family feels the same way.”

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