Neil Rackers is a former American football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. He began his career as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2000 and played for them until 2002. He then signed with the Arizona Cardinals, where he spent the majority of his career from 2003 to 2009. Rackers finished his career with brief stints with the Houston Texans in 2010 and the Washington Redskins in 2011.
During his time in the NFL, Rackers was known for his strong leg and accuracy on field goals and extra points. He set several records during his career, including the NFL record for most consecutive field goals made from 50 yards or more with 12. He also tied the NFL record for most field goals made in a single game with 6.
Rackers was named to the Pro Bowl in 2005 after a standout season with the Cardinals. He made 40 of 42 field goal attempts that year, including a game-winning 50-yarder against the Dallas Cowboys. He also set a franchise record for most points scored in a single season with 140.
Despite his success, Rackers faced some challenges during his career. He struggled with injuries at times, including a groin injury that sidelined him for part of the 2007 season. He also faced competition for his job from other kickers, including Jay Feely, who replaced him as the Cardinals' kicker in 2010.
After retiring from the NFL, Rackers has remained involved in football as a coach and analyst. He has worked as a kicking consultant for several high school and college teams, as well as for the NFL's Detroit Lions. He has also provided commentary for college football games on ESPN and the SEC Network.
Overall, Neil Rackers had a successful career as an NFL kicker, setting records and earning recognition for his skills on the field. While he faced some challenges along the way, he remained a respected and talented player throughout his 12 seasons in the league.
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