Punter Lechler a key part of defense

One of best in NFL history wants first Super Bowl ring.

For nearly two decades, the Houston Texans’ Shane Lechler has been one of the top punters in the NFL.

Entering his 18th season, the 41-year-old former Texas A&M punter is still boom- ing the ball with impressive hang time to remain atop his profession.

Lechler, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, averaged 47.5 yards and a 40.1 net per punt last season. He placed 30 punts inside the oppo- nents’ 20-yard line.

As one of the best punters in NFL history, he is regarded as a potential Hall of Fame selection.

Lechler reflected on his legacy this week.

“Yeah, I think about it,” he said. “I think about my career every now and then, but it’s kind of one of those things — you put in the work and prepare all offseason for this moment, so I feel like I’m ready to go. Nothing out of the ordinary, just going out there and try to do the best I can for the defense.”

In the offseason, he signed a one-year, $2 million contract that included a $500,000 signing bonus.

He strives to remain hungry despite his accomplish- ments.

“I challenge myself every week,” Lechler said. “I’m trying to win the field position every week. There’s a lot that goes into the kicking game now. It’s changed over the years. Now it’s go out there and do your job, and my job is to put the defense in the best position I can put them in and then let those guys go to work.”

After two consecutive AFC South titles for the Texans, Lechler has high hopes for 2017. He has been to one Super Bowl, a loss with Oak- land after the 2002 season.

“I always go into the sea- son thinking, ‘Man, we can win this whole thing,’” he said. “That has happened even in some of the dark years in Oakland — I felt good about every season going into it. That’s just my way of approaching it, and I haven’t changed; I don’t see why I should.”

Heath a starter: The Texans think highly enough of defensive end Joel Heath that they have moved him into the starting lineup at right end ahead of Christian Covington, lining up opposite three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt.