Shane Lechler was chosen by the Houston Texans

The Houston Texans made a significant move during the 2013 NFL offseason when they brought in veteran punter Shane Lechler. Lechler, who had spent his entire 13-year career with the Oakland Raiders, was widely regarded as one of the best punters in the league and his addition to the Texans’ roster brought a boost to their special teams unit.

Lechler’s journey to Houston began in the small town of East Bernard, Texas, where he grew up playing various sports, including football and baseball. His talent as a punter was evident from a young age, and he continued to excel throughout his high school and college career. Lechler attended Texas A&M University, where he established himself as one of the best punters in college football history.

After a standout college career, Lechler was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He quickly made an impact, proving to be an invaluable asset to the Raiders’ special teams unit. Lechler’s booming leg and ability to consistently pin opponents deep in their own territory quickly gained him recognition as one of the top punters in the league.

During his time with the Raiders, Lechler earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and was named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in yards per punt and net punt average, showcasing his ability to flip the field and give his team a competitive advantage.

In the 2013 offseason, Lechler became an unrestricted free agent, and the Houston Texans jumped at the opportunity to bring him on board. The Texans had been struggling with their punting game and recognized the value that Lechler could bring to their special teams unit.

Lechler’s impact on the Texans was immediate. He provided stability and consistency to their punting game and played a crucial role in helping the team establish field position. His ability to consistently pin opponents deep in their own territory gave the Texans’ defense an advantage and made it more difficult for opposing offenses to find success.

Throughout his tenure with the Texans, Lechler continued to excel and prove why he was one of the best in the business. He maintained a high level of play, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and becoming a fan favorite in Houston. Lechler’s leadership and professionalism also made him a valuable presence in the locker room, where he served as a mentor to many of his younger teammates.

Lechler’s time with the Texans came to an end in 2018 when he announced his retirement from professional football. He finished his career with 18 seasons under his belt, during which he solidified his status as one of the greatest punters in NFL history. His ability to consistently perform at a high level, his booming leg, and his uncanny accuracy set him apart from his peers.

Shane Lechler’s contributions to the Houston Texans went beyond his impressive statistics. His professionalism, leadership, and dedication to the game made him a beloved figure in the organization and within the community. The Texans’ decision to bring him on board was a testament to his remarkable career and the impact he was expected to have.

In conclusion, the decision to bring in Shane Lechler to the Houston Texans in 2013 was a significant move that proved to be highly beneficial for the team. Lechler’s consistency, strong leg, and ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory made him an invaluable asset to the Texans’ special teams unit. His impact went beyond statistics, as his leadership and professionalism left a lasting impression on the organization and the community. Shane Lechler will always be remembered as one of the greatest punters in NFL history, and his time with the Houston Texans only solidified his legacy.