Houston Texans Kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn Makes Appearance at Premier League Match

The Houston Texans saw kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn take to the pitch, where he watched Manchester City and Arsenal duel for Premier League prominence.

Dec 31, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans place kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn (15) makes a field / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans have made it to the offseason, allowing fans to see their favorite players outside of their natural element.

Like seeing your school teacher at the supermarket, it’s a little weird to see C.J. Stroud on his offseason world tour. Even so, it won’t be the only time the Texans are found off the field, especially after Stroud helped them become sweethearts of the football world and a contender in a crowded AFC.

Another offseason invitational saw Houston kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn at the Manchester City vs. Arsenal match on Saturday.

Dec 31, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans place kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn (15) makes a field / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The kicker was joined by New York Jets veteran inside linebacker C.J. Mosley and spoke to Premier League USA before the match.

“What’s up everybody, Ka’imi Fairbairn. Here pitch side, Man City vs. Arsenal,” he said. “Incredible, incredible matchup. I got to say, I’m predicting a 2-2 draw. It’s going to be electric, though, electric. I’m going draw.”

He was half right. Manchester City and Arsenal finished their match tied 0-0 to stay locked in as the second- and third-ranked teams in the Premier League. Interestingly enough, he stayed neutral in his decision despite donning a custom Man City jersey alongside his NFL counterpart.

Fairbairn can enjoy a stress-free offseason after the prospect of free agency was cut short. Before the legal tampering period, Houston re-signed Fairbairn to a three-year deal worth $15.9 million – $11.06 million of which is guaranteed. For now, that’s the fifth-most expensive kicker contract in the sport.

Fairbairn missed five games due to injury in 2023 but performed well when he was on the field, converting 27 of 28 attempts and 21 of 22 extra points for a Texans team that just could not stop playing games down to the wire.

He’ll hope to break some draws in Houston’s favor as it gears up for a chance at a second consecutive AFC South title and the opportunity to chase down the Kansas City Chiefs atop the AFC.