Former Houston Texans punter Shane Lechler, 42, has announced his retirement from the NFL after 18 seasons.
A former fifth-round pick with the Oakland Raiders, Lechler spent 13 years in Oakland where he made 206 appearances, becoming one of the most prolific punters in league history. In 2013, he signed with the Houston Texans, marking the beginning of a five-year stint in his home state during which time he made 80 appearances and was a cornerstone of the locker room.
However, in 2018 he was cut during the preseason in favor of rookie punter Trevor Daniel and his time in the NFL came to an end.
A seven-time Pro Bowler, six-time first-team All-Pro, three-time second-team All-Pro, and four-time NFL punting yards leader, Lechler was a model of consistency. He only missed two regular season games his entire career and was unsurprisingly named to the NFL All-Decade team for the 2000s.
The bearded wonder held a retirement party yesterday, with former Texans teammate and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt among others in attendance.
The Hall of Fame may not be full of legendary punters, with just Ray Guy currently representing the position. However, you would have to imagine that a player of Lechler’s caliber and consistency will be donning the famous gold jacket in years to come.
