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.
CARD: Pro Set 1990 Super Bowl Insert HACK ACQUIRED: 2023, Consignment
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Kurt Warner is the true rags to riches story of football history.
Played college ball at tiny University of Northern Iowa.
Didn’t see any significant playing time until senior season in ’93, posting for 2,982 yards and 17 TDs.
Undrafted in ’94, was a camp arm for the Green Bay Packers.
Out of football as a grocery stocker, decided to join the Arena Football League, playing for the Iowa Barnstormers in ’95.
After setting numerous records for the Barnstormers, signed with the St. Louis Rams in 1997 and allocated to the Amsterdam Admirals of the NFLE for play in ’98.
After leading the NFLE in passing, Warner returned stateside and spent the NFL season riding the bench.
It’d be in ’99 that fate happened Kurt’s way.
With backup QB Steve Bono departing in free agency and starting QB Trent Green injured, Kurt Warner found himself atop the team depth chart.
He’d finish 325 of 499 for 4353 yards and 41 TDs leading the Rams to a Super Bowl win against the Tennesee Titans.
In 2000, Warner led the Rams back to the playoffs, but the Greatest Show on Turf lost to the Saints.
2001 saw Warner lead the NFL in multiple passing categories and the Rams to a 14-2 record, but the team lost the Super Bowl to the New England Patriots.
Warner went into a slump in 2002, that continued into 2003.
In 2004, Kurt was cut by the Rams and then joined the New York Giants.
It was a tough year for Warner, as lingering issues and injuries, taking their toll, along with numerous sacks.
He then packed his bags to play for the Arizona Cardinals for the 2006 season.
By this time fans thought of Warner as being washed up, but he saved the best for last.
The age was showing on Warner, and he’d have to constantly look over his shoulder as first round pick Matt Leinart was expected to pick up the reins soon.
After a great start, Leinart replaced Warner at QB in week 4 for most of the remainder of the ’06 season.
With Leinart the starter, Warner replaced him off the bench in week 4 after an injury ended Matt’s season.
Warner threw for a career high 484 yards in a loss to the ‘9ers that year.
This culminated in him again winning the starting QB job for the Cardinals in ’08.
Kurt would lead the Cardinals to an improbable Super Bowl appearance- their first in the modern Super Bowl era.
Finished the season with 4,583 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and completed 67.1% of his passes.
Lost Super Bowl XLIII to the Pittsburgh Steelers last minute heroics 27-23.
Threw for 377 yards in the loss, and compiled a 112.3 QB rating in the game.
In 2009 became the first QB to throw for 14,000+ yards for two separate teams, and the second to throw 100+ TDs for two different teams.
Cardinals lost in the divisional round to the New Orleans Saints that year, as Warner sustained an injury.
He’d retire after the post season concluded.
Kurt has spent a lot of time catching up with his kids since retirement while going into coaching.
He’s also been a commentator for Spring Leagues, notably the Arena Football League and the AAF.
ACCOLADES:
NFL MVP 1999, 2001
Super Bowl XXXIX MVP
All-Arena 1996-97
Iowa Barnstomers Hall of Fame
Iowa Barnstormers #13 retired
Bert Bell Award 1999
Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor
Walter Payton Man of the Year 2008
Bart Starr Award 2010
NOTES:
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d secure Kurt Warner at such a friendly price point, but after biting my nails, the consignment came through- and it looks glorious. While Kurt does sign through the mail, he only signs a testament card- which is nice, but leaves collectors in the dust on their own set needs.
I was eager to get him, not only on this beautiful card I created of him, but also because he’s the greatest testament to what Spring Football such as the Arena League and the NFLE can do for a player. In Kurt’s case, he needed to get more experience, confidence, and faith to face what he’d encounter in the NFL. Eventually it ‘all slowed down for him’ and he surpassed all expectations, making 3 Super Bowl appearances.
A devout Christian, some pundits slammed him for thanking Jesus Christ for helping him win his Super Bowl MVP, but myself, personally I found it refreshing that he’d do such a thing. Now it seems commonplace for players to wear their faith on their shoulder after winning a big game.
On occasion when I was attending AAF contests of the Commanders, Kurt gave commentary from a mobile studio on the sidelines very close by. I didn’t have anything then but it was still nice to see him show his skills and support Spring Football as well.
Worked with the Steelers through 2018 as their LB coach.
Popped up again on the radar of the XFL in 2023 as Hines Ward’s LB coach for a season.
Upper Deck 2006, #10SJP
NOTES:
When I heard that Joey Porter was Hines Ward LB coach- I was excited to see if I could add him in person. The Brahmas were very… stubborn about in person events, even though they promised meet and greets. Later in the season, the team had one in Boerne for the Wounded Warrior Project. When the whole team was announced to be attending I selected out a few cards, hoping I could get him. I was really happy to get him on these two, as he had a pretty decent line. Age seems to be catching up to him, as he has a noticeable hobble from all his injuries playing the game.
Of note, was a chance I missed. I correctly IDed his son, Joey Porter Jr who happened to be there with him. He was surprised and amused that I picked him out of the crowd, but grimaced when I suggested he’d be a great fit for the Texans.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
