Heralded punter’s turn to get boot
At 42, Lechler loses his longtime job to rookie Daniel
Standing at his locker following the final preseason game Thursday night, Texans veteran punter Shane Lechler acknowledged that he’d been pushed harder by rookie Trevor Daniel than any past competitor.
Hours later at NRG Stadium, the seven-time Pro Bowl selection from East Bernard was informed of his release and that Daniel was replacing him. This ends the former Texas A&M standout’s six-year tenure with the Texans.
It was an emotional day for the Texans as Lechler, 42, was a team captain and one of the most popular players on the roster. Moving on from Lechler was the Texans’ most significant roster move as he was entering his 19th NFL season.
“Shane Lechler’s one of the best pros I’ve ever been around,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “He was a great leader here, was a captain. In my opinion, he’s a Hall of Fame punter.
“We try to make decisions in the best interest of the team, but sometimes those decisions are very difficult. Shane’s a Texas legend.”
Texans defensive end J.J. Watt paid tribute to Lechler on social media.
“Truly the greatest punter of all time and one of the best friends and teammates of all time,” Watt wrote. “We’re going to miss you around here brother.”
Following the Texans’ 14-6 preseason win over the Dallas Cowboys, Lechler said he had no intentions of retiring regardless of what happened next.
“I’ve invested a lot of time,” Lechler said. “If I was going to retire, I would have done it before the end of offseason workouts. I’m dug in. I’m going to play as long as I can. I still have something left in the tank. I know one thing: I fought hard every day. I have no regrets.”
Lechler praised Daniel’s talent. The undrafted rookie from Tennessee has a big leg. He averaged 45.3 yards per punt during the preseason. Lechler averaged 43.2 yards per punt. Both punters had four downed inside opponents’ 20-yard line.
And Daniel is grateful to Lechler for all of the knowledge he imparted.
“It’s kind of mixed emotions,” Daniel said. “I’m super-pumped and excited about this opportunity, obviously. At the same time, Shane was a great friend of mine.
“We became close over the last few months. I know a lot of guys are going to miss him in the locker room, but this is a business and I’m excited for the opportunity.”
Daniel is due a $480,000 base salary this year. Lechler signed a one-year, $2 million contract in the offseason that included a $600,000 signing bonus.
Ultimately, the decision came down to potential and performance.
During training camp, Lechler went out of his way to help Daniel and provided him with tips even if it was at his own expense.
“That says a lot about him,” Daniel said. “He could lose the job. That could happen, but he’s still showing me the ropes.”
Daniel averaged 47.5 yards as a senior for the Volunteers. He broke the school’s single-season punting average record and ranked fourth nationally and second in the Southeastern Conference.
Daniel has a booming leg, but he lacks Lechler’s experience.
“Look, he’s a young guy,” O’Brien said. “Strong leg, good demeanor. We’ll see how it goes.”