What's Texans Kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn's Career Ceiling in Houston?
Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn was signed by Houston as an undrafted free agent in 2016 with expectations of replacing Nick Novak. Fairbairn suffered a quadricep injury that would sideline him his entire rookie season. However, in 2017, Fairbairn was named the starter and has held that title ever since.
2022 was Fairbairn's best season in terms of field goal percentage, at 93.6 percent. This staggering number was third among all NFL kickers who've attempted at least 20 field goals. Fairbairn's best overall season was probably in 2018 when he led the league in field goals made and attempted.
Despite his consistent numbers over the years, the Texans' No. 2 all-time leading scorer is yet to make a Pro Bowl appearance. This is likely because Ravens kicker Justin Tucker is in the same conference and they only pick one from each. However, Fairbairn was recently listed in a possibly more meaningful conversation.
The Texans Twitter account recently contributed to a trend some other NFL team accounts partook in by naming their greatest offensive, defensive, and special teams players in franchise history. They selected receiver Andre Johnson for offense and J.J. Watt for defense, but special teams were left for the fans to decide.
Marc Vandermeer, the voice of the Texans, and radio partner John Harris debated the question and came up with a few kickers, punters, holders, long snappers and return specialists. They declared long snapper Jon Weeks was the Texans' special teams "G.O.A.T.", but Fairbairn was mentioned.
After just six seasons, Fairbairn is already listed among the greatest special teamers in Texans franchise history (since 2002). The 29-year-old is still considered young for the kicker position and is likely to play for years to come. By the time he retires, he may be the man on top.
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