Punter Shane Lechler is leaving Houston Texans after five years. Texans decided to the seven-time Pro Bowler after undrafted rookie Trevor Daniel won the starting job in training camp. Texans’ decision to release Lechler came as a bit of a surprise, mainly due to the fact that the 42-year-old received a one-year, $2 million extension in March after being NFL Punting Yards Leader in 2017.
The news about Lechler’s departure was confirmed on by Texans’ coach Bill O’Brien on Friday.
“Both guys had good preseasons,” – O’Brien told reporters. “Shane Lechler, in my opinion, is a Hall of Fame punter. He’s a guy that has meant a lot to us here, and he really has competed at a high level, and Trevor’s a good young punter.“
Shane Lechler’ Texan teammates went on social media to say their goodbyes with defensive end J.J. Watt calling Lechler “truly the greatest punter of all time.”
Truly the greatest punter of all time and one of the best friends and teammates of all time. We’re going to miss you around here brother. #HOF pic.twitter.com/B5uzjfsaXD
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 31, 2018
Despite being cut by the Texans, it is highly unlikely that Lechler will retire from the NFL. He recently spoke about his plans if he doesn’t make the 53-man roster in Houston, saying that he is going to play as long as he can.
“I’ve invested a lot of time,” – said Lechler on Thursday. “If I was going to retire, I would have done it before the end of offseason workouts. I’m dug in. I’m going to play as long as I can. I still have something left in the tank.“
Shane Lechler entered the NFL in 2000 when Oakland Raiders took him in the fifth round of that year’s draft. In 13 seasons with the Raiders, Lechler was NFL Punting Yards Leader three times, while receiving seven Pro Bowl selections and six First-Team All-Pro selections. He joined the Houston Texans in 2013.
Lechler’s NFL career stats include 1,444 punts for 68,678 yards in 286 games played. His career average of 47.6 yards per punt currently stands as an NFL record.
