He has played, coached and been part of the front office staff of several professional football teams and leagues.

Ricker attended Theodore Roosevelt High School in San Antonio, Texas, where he was a three-year starter at linebacker.

He was selected to the Roosevelt High School Wall of Honor for wrestling[1] A graduate of Fresno State, he was a wrestler and defensive back at the collegiate level in California.

[2][1] After coaching at the high school level in California and Texas, Ricker moved into the professional ranks by becoming part of the front office staff for the North American Football League.

He then became the general manager for the Austin Rattlers of the North American Football League from 2000 to 2002.