Shane Lechler is hanging up his cleats. The veteran punter held a “retirement party” last night to celebrate the end of his career, reports Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter). Former NFL punter Pat McAfee also tweeted the news.
Following a standout career at Texas A&M, the punter entered the league as a fifth-round pick in the 2000 draft. He spent the first 13 seasons of his career with the Raiders before moving on to the Texans.
The punter spent five years with Houston before signing a one-year, $2MM extension with the organization last offseason. The team ended up releasing Lechler towards the end of the preseason, but the veteran made it clear that he wasn’t planning on immediately retiring. However, the 18-year veteran didn’t end up generating any reported interest as a free agent.
Either way, the 42-year-old will retire as one of the top punters in NFL history. Lechler’s accolades speak for themselves: he was a seven-time Pro Bowler, six-time first-team All-Pro, three-time second-team All-Pro, and the 2009 Golden Toe Award winner (via Pro Football Weekly). Lechler was also named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team (along with former Bills standout Brian Moorman).
Statistically, Lechler led the NFL in average punt distance five times, and he led the NFL in punting yards four times. He owns the all-time record for yards-per-punt, while his 1,444 career punts ranks second behind Jeff Feagles.
“he was a seven-time Pro Bowler, six-time first-team All-Pro, three-time second-team All-Pro…” That says 1st ballot on any other position. Shameful that kickers and punters are viewed differently. Its a crock that only media are HoF voters and keep secret ballots.
I agree, but I would argue that it’s even harder for punters than kickers. Kickers at least have the more tangible statistic of points scored to rank and compare to each other instead of only relying on a percentage of accuracy. Every other position has “benchmark” numbers for yardage, TDS, points scored, etc. Punters are really only judged on yardage per punt and touchbacks, which aren’t columns most fans ever look at.
Greatest punter of our generation. #legend
Raiders MVP for several years
He and Jano formed a special pairing for many years! Wish him all the best in his retirement #AlwaysARaider
Off the top of my head, Ray Guy is the only punter I can think of who was as good or better for such a long period of time. Lechler was truly a weapon who could routinely change field position to his team’s advantage.
Punter is a weird job, in the grand scheme of things.
I would like to see Shane Lechler explain what he did for a living to an English speaking alien who just landed on Earth.
Hahaha
Not sure I really want to know what weird things occur at a punter retirement party….lol.