Houston Texans Kicker: The Unsung Hero or the Goat?

Houston Texans Kicker: The Unsung Hero or the Goat?

The world of professional football is filled with charismatic players who often grab the spotlight with their impressive skills and charming personalities. However, there's another crucial position on the field that's often overlooked: the kicker. The kicker's role is just as vital as any other player, as they're responsible for scoring crucial points and making game-changing field goals. In this article, we'll delve into the world of the Houston Texans kicker and explore whether they're truly an unsung hero or the greatest of all time.

The Houston Texans have had their fair share of talented kickers throughout the years, but one player stands out above the rest: Brett Kern. As the longest-tenured kicker in franchise history, Kern has been a staple of the Texans' special teams unit for over a decade. With his reliable leg and pinpoint accuracy, Kern has become a fan favorite in Houston. But is he the greatest kicker in franchise history, or is there another player who deserves the title?

A Look at the Texans' Kickers Past and Present

To determine whether Kern is the greatest kicker in Texans history, we need to take a look at the team's past and present kickers. The Texans have had their fair share of talented kickers, including Gary Anderson, Kris Brown, and Randy Bullock. Each of these players has made significant contributions to the team's success, but Kern's longevity and consistency set him apart from the rest.

Kern's Achievements

Under Kern's boot, the Texans have become one of the most consistent kicking units in the league. Here are just a few of his impressive achievements:

• 35th percentile or better in kickoff average: Kern has consistently ranked among the top 35% of kickers in the league in terms of kickoff average. This is a testament to his accuracy and control.
• 80% or better in field goal percentage: Kern has also demonstrated exceptional accuracy on field goal attempts, with a career field goal percentage of 84.4%.
• 10 or more games with 40+ yard field goals: Kern has a knack for making long field goals, with 10 or more games featuring field goals of 40+ yards.

Kern's Impact on the Team

Kern's contributions to the Texans go beyond just his kicking skills. He's a leader on the special teams unit and has played a key role in the team's success. Here are just a few ways in which Kern has impacted the team:

• Improved special teams efficiency: Under Kern's leadership, the Texans' special teams unit has become one of the most efficient in the league. This has allowed the team to score more points and create momentum on offense.
• Increased confidence in the offense: Kern's reliability on field goal attempts has given the offense more confidence in their ability to score. This has led to more aggressive play-calling and a greater willingness to take risks.
• Game-changing plays: Kern has been responsible for some game-changing plays throughout his career, including a 52-yard field goal in the 2012 AFC South game against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Case for Kern as the Greatest Kicker in Texans History

While Kern's achievements and impact on the team are undeniable, there are also some arguments to be made for other kickers in Texans history. For example:

• Gary Anderson's accuracy: Anderson was a highly accurate kicker who holds the franchise record for most field goals made in a single season. His accuracy was unmatched in his prime, and he's still the gold standard for Texans kickers.
• Randy Bullock's clutch performances: Bullock has made several game-winning field goals throughout his career, including a 55-yarder in the 2017 AFC Wild Card game against the Oakland Raiders.

The Argument for Kern as the Greatest Kicker

Despite the arguments for other kickers, Kern's longevity and consistency make a strong case for him as the greatest kicker in Texans history. Here are just a few reasons why:

• Most games played: Kern has played in more games for the Texans than any other kicker in franchise history. This speaks to his reliability and ability to perform under pressure.
• Longest tenure: Kern has been with the Texans for over a decade, which is a testament to his loyalty and dedication to the team.
• Consistency: Kern has been one of the most consistent kickers in the league over the past decade, with few down seasons and no signs of decline.

Conclusion

The debate over whether Brett Kern is the greatest kicker in Texans history is a valid one. While other kickers have made significant contributions to the team's success, Kern's longevity, consistency, and impact on the team make a strong case for him as the greatest kicker in franchise history. Whether you're a die-hard Texans fan or just a casual observer, Kern's impressive achievements and leadership on the special teams unit make him a hero worth recognizing.