The last original member of the Houston Texans has been released. The Texans cut twelve-year veteran Kris Brown in favor of Neil Rackers. Brown said that he was not surprised by the decision.
“I did everything that I could do, and they had a difficult decision to make,” Brown said. “I’m disappointed, but I can’t say it caught me off guard. I’ve said from day one that I would focus on what I could control – competing and kicking.”
Brown was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1999 NFL draft. He signed with the Houston Texans in their inaugural season of 2002 and was the only member of the team to play in all 128 games.
The 2009 season was Brown’s worst. He converted 21 of 32 field goals, prompting the Texans to find another kicker to compete with him during training camp.
“I think I had as good a camp as I’ve ever had,” said Brown. “I kicked extremely well. I wanted to make the decision tough for them. When I look back on these last nine years I like to think that I’m responsible for some of the success the team’s had.
“I’ve made a lot of great friends. I’ve built a lot of great relationships. I’m going to miss everybody. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’m going to look around and see what’s out there, and I’m sure I’ll kick again.”
Rackers will be only the second kicker in the Houston Texan’s franchise history.
“I’m excited, very excited,” Rackers said. “Right now, I’m thinking a lot about Kris and his family and their situation. I respect Kris so much.
“I’m excited to be part of a really good team. My mind-set when I came here was to compete with Kris knowing that it would make both of us better kickers. I’m a competitor. I’m a team guy. I play with a lot of heart, and I’ll do anything I can to help my team win.”