CARDS: Panini Adrenalyn 2011, Score 2008
ACQUIRED: TTM 2023, C/o Home
SENT: 8/15 RECEIVED: 8/22 (7 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
- Neil Rackers was a kicker for the Fightin’ Illini from 1996-’99.
- Over that period he was 96.3% on XP (77/80) and 68% (34/50) on FGs, scoring 179 points.
- Selected in the 6th round of the 2000 NFL Draft.
- After a rocky rookie season, he settled in kicking 17 FGs in 2001, and 15 in 2002.
- He’d join the Arizona Cardinals in 2003.
- In 2004, he hit 22/29 field goals, including a league long 55 yarder.
- In that game against the Seahawks, he hit two other field goals of 50+ yards tying the single game NFL record held by Morten Anderson.
- Then he went on to hit an improbable 31 straight field goals.
- During the 2005 season, set the NFL record with 40 field goals in a season (42 attempts).
- He again led the league in attempts in 2006 with 37 (28 FGM).
- In 2010, Rackers was allowed to test free agency and decided to play for the Texans.
- He’d provide great stability at the position after the departure of Kris Brown– who’d been with the team since its inception.
- Rackers posted 27 FGs in 2010, and 32 in 2011.
- Tied a franchise long 57 yard field goal in 2010 (since surpassed).
ACCOLADES:
- All Pro 2005
- Pro Bowl 2005
- Golden Toe Award 2005
NOTES:
Incredibly underrated over his career, I must admit I was disappointed when the Texans opted not to sign him, in favor of drafting ‘Beercan’ Randy Bullock in 2012.
Rackers was also a head hunter- A rare trait among kickers. From time to time he was known to dish out some jarring hits. I seem to remember some odd fact that he’s the the NFL record holder for career special teams tackles by a kicker.
My old friend Erik, told me stories about chugging beers in the parking lot at NRG with Neil, saying he’s a real cool dude so I had to get him eventually. I was a bit disappointed. I think this Adrenalyn card was the only Texans card they made of Neil. I love how Rackers’ autograph incorporates the goal posts into it.
| XPA | XPM | PCT | FGA | FGM | PCT | LG | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 378 | 372 | 98.4% | 330 | 264 | 80.0% | 57 | 1164 |