Neil Rackers, a professional American football placekicker, began his NFL journey when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. Born on August 16, 1976, in St. Louis, Missouri, Rackers attended the University of Illinois, where he honed his skills as a kicker, setting the stage for his professional career.
Rackers spent the initial years of his career with the Bengals, where he played from 2000 to 2002. During his tenure with Cincinnati, he demonstrated his potential as a reliable kicker, although his performance was somewhat inconsistent. In 2003, Rackers signed with the Arizona Cardinals, a move that would prove to be a turning point in his career.
While with the Cardinals, Rackers achieved several career milestones. The 2005 season was particularly remarkable for him. He set an NFL record by making 40 field goals in a single season, a testament to his accuracy and consistency. That same year, Rackers was selected for the Pro Bowl and earned First-Team All-Pro honors, recognizing him as one of the league's top kickers. His ability to convert long-distance field goals and maintain composure under pressure made him a valuable asset to the Cardinals.
Rackers continued to play for the Cardinals until 2009. During his time with the team, he became known for his strong leg and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His tenure with Arizona solidified his reputation as one of the league's most reliable kickers.
In 2010, Rackers joined the Houston Texans, where he continued to showcase his kicking prowess. He played two seasons with the Texans, maintaining a high level of performance and further establishing his reputation for accuracy and reliability. Rackers' time in Houston added to his career statistics, contributing to his legacy as a consistent and dependable kicker.
Rackers briefly signed with the Washington Redskins in 2012, but he did not play in any regular-season games for the team. Following his release from the Redskins, Rackers retired from professional football.
Throughout his career, Rackers was known for his strong work ethic and ability to perform under pressure.
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