Shane Lechler

Lechler attended East Bernard High School in East Bernard, Texas,{{Cite web |last=Zwerneman |first=Brent |date=November 26, 2008 |title=A&M's Brantly a small-town guy making big-time kicks |url=https://www.chron.com/sports/college/article/A-M-s-Brantly-a-small-town-guy-making-big-time-1770120.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226215032/https://www.chron.com/sports/college/article/A-M-s-Brantly-a-small-town-guy-making-big-time-1770120.php |archive-date=February 26, 2021 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Chron |language=en-US}} and was a standout in football, basketball, golf, and baseball. As quarterback, punter and placekicker, Lechler led East Bernard to the state quarterfinals his senior year, completing 87 of 101 (86.1%) passes for 1,640 yards and 11 touchdowns. In his high school career, he passed for nearly 5,000 yards and averaged 41.6 yards per punt. Lechler's longest punt in high school was 85 yards.

Lechler attended Texas A&M University, and played for the Aggies football team from 1996 to 1999.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/shane-lechler-1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003012512/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/shane-lechler-1.html |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} A versatile player, he was not only the Aggies' punter but also kicked off, was the long field goal kicker, served as the holder for short field goals and PATs, and was the emergency quarterback. As a junior, he completed a 29-yard pass on a fake punt against Baylor and threw a touchdown pass to Dan Campbell on a fake field goal in a hard-fought 17–10 win against Texas Tech.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler |url=https://www.espn.com/fantasy/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020617050255/http://nfldraft.espn.go.com/html/player/player2112.html |archive-date=June 17, 2002 |url-status=live |website=Pro Football Weekly}}

When injuries depleted the depth chart, Lechler served as the backup quarterback for the 1998 Big 12 championship game. At one point in the game, the Aggies' last healthy quarterback, Branndon Stewart, appeared shaken and a nervous-looking Lechler threw warmup passes on the sideline. Stewart was able to stay in the game, however, and led the Aggies to a 36–33 victory over Kansas State, earning the Aggies their only Big 12 Championship.{{Cite web |title=1998 Big 12 Conference Year Summary |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfbconferences/big-12/1998.html |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Because of his contributions in so many facets of the game, coach R. C. Slocum called Lechler "the team's most valuable player."{{Cite web |last=Zwerneman |first=Brent |date=December 3, 2019 |title=10 things we learned about Texas A&M football in 2019 |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/college/article/10-things-we-learned-about-Texas-A-M-football-in-14876897.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804031324/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/college/article/10-things-we-learned-about-Texas-A-M-football-in-14876897.php |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Houston Chronicle |language=en-US}}

Lechler started his career off strong at Texas A&M, earning Freshman All-America honors in 1996 with a punting average of 42.7 yards.{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2012 |title=Shane Lechler: The Unsung Hero Of The Oakland Raiders |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/shane-lechler-the-unsung-hero-of-the-oakland-raiders/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003012513/https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/shane-lechler-the-unsung-hero-of-the-oakland-raiders/ |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} After his sophomore season, he was named to the All-Big 12 team after breaking the Aggie single-season record with an average of 47.0 yards per punt. He was named to The Sporting News All-America team as a junior in 1998, and was also an Associated Press first team All-American honors as a senior in 1999, a year in which his 46.5 yards per punt is second in the record books only to his own sophomore record of 47.0.{{Cite web |date=November 13, 1997 |title=McKinney, Nguyen, Lechler Named All-Big 12 by Football News |url=https://12thman.com/news/1997/11/13/205232274.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003012513/https://12thman.com/news/1997/11/13/205232274.aspx |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Texas A&M Athletics - 12thMan.com |language=en}} He is the NCAA record holder for career punt average with a mark of 44.7 yards per punt.{{Cite web |last=Washington |first=Chad |date=April 2, 2019 |title=Former Texans, East Bernard punter Lechler announces retirement |url=https://www.fbherald.com/sports/former-texans-east-bernard-punter-lechler-announces-retirement/article_4894e11c-fcf9-521d-af04-d6bf465bdf94.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003012513/https://www.fbherald.com/sports/former-texans-east-bernard-punter-lechler-announces-retirement/article_4894e11c-fcf9-521d-af04-d6bf465bdf94.html |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Fort Bend Herald |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Cessna |first=Robert |date=August 28, 2021 |title=Former Texas A&M punter Shane Lechler grateful for RC Slocum's advice |url=https://theeagle.com/sports/college/aggiesports/football/former-texas-a-m-punter-shane-lechler-grateful-for-rc-slocums-advice/article_d3468aa6-0873-11ec-a21a-ebd5ae97a211.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003012514/https://theeagle.com/sports/college/aggiesports/football/former-texas-a-m-punter-shane-lechler-grateful-for-rc-slocums-advice/article_d3468aa6-0873-11ec-a21a-ebd5ae97a211.html |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=The Eagle |language=en}}

Lechler had only one punt blocked, against Ohio State in the 1999 Sugar Bowl.{{Cite web |title=65th Annual Sugar Bowl Classic ~ January 1, 1999 |url=https://allstatesugarbowl.org/sports/2022/4/15/65th-annual-sugar-bowl-classic-january-1-1999.aspx |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Sugar Bowl |language=en}}

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| note = Values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |title=2000 Draft Scout Shane Lechler, Texas AM NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1071&DraftYear=2000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003012514/https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1071&DraftYear=2000 |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |access-date=March 27, 2022 |website=draftscout.com}}

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Lechler was selected in the fifth round with the 142nd overall pick in the 2000 NFL draft. He was the only punter selected that year.{{Cite web |title=2000 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2000/draft.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027151700/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2000/draft.htm |archive-date=October 27, 2018 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2000 Oakland Raiders season}}

On September 3, 2000, in the season opener against the San Diego Chargers, Lechler made his NFL debut and had a season-high 10 punts for a season-high 424 yards (42.4 average) as the Raiders won 9–6.{{Cite web |title=San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – September 3rd, 2000 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200009030rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165116/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200009030rai.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a Week 10 49–31 over the Kansas City Chiefs, he converted all seven extra-point attempts.{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders – November 5th, 2000 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200011050rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165101/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200011050rai.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Two weeks later against the New Orleans Saints, Lechler had four punts for 219 yards for a season-high 54.75 average in the 31–22 road victory.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at New Orleans Saints – November 19th, 2000 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200011190nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170741/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200011190nor.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Lechler finished his rookie season with 65 punts for 2,984 yards for a 45.91 average.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler 2000 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170754/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2000 |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Raiders finished atop the AFC West with a 12–4 record and qualified for the playoffs.{{Cite web |title=2000 Oakland Raiders Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2000.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165034/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2000.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team and earned First Team All-Pro honors.{{Cite web |title=2000 NFL All-Rookie Team |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-2000.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002052150/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-2000.htm |archive-date=October 2, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2000 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2000/allpro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929190822/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2000/allpro.htm |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Lechler made his playoff debut in the Divisional Round against the Miami Dolphins and finished the 27–0 shutout victory with five punts for 234 yards (46.8 average).{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Miami Dolphins at Oakland Raiders – January 6th, 2001 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200101060rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165105/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200101060rai.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens, Lechler had seven punts for 315 yards (45.00 average) in the 16–3 loss.{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – Baltimore Ravens at Oakland Raiders – January 14th, 2001 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200101140rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010114023/http://pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200101140rai.htm |archive-date=October 10, 2008 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2001 Oakland Raiders season}}

During the season-opening 27–24 loss to the Chiefs, Lechler had four punts for 185 yards (46.25 average) in the 27–24 road victory.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs – September 9th, 2001 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200109090kan.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170730/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200109090kan.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Two weeks later against the Dolphins, he recorded a season-high seven punts for a season-high 345 yards for a 49.29 average in the 18–15 road loss.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins – September 23rd, 2001 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200109230mia.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165129/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200109230mia.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Three weeks later against the Indianapolis Colts, Lechler had five punts for 262 yards for a season-high 52.4 average in the 23–18 road victory.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Indianapolis Colts – October 14th, 2001 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200110140clt.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165306/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200110140clt.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He earned his first Pro Bowl nomination.{{Cite web |title=2001 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2001/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925133152/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2001/probowl.htm |archive-date=September 25, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Lechler finished his second professional season with 73 punts for 3,375 yards for a 46.23 average.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler 2001 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170703/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2001 |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Raiders finished atop the AFC West for the second consecutive season with a 10–6 record and made the playoffs, but their season ended in a 16–13 road loss to the New England Patriots during the Divisional Round.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Oakland Raiders at New England Patriots – January 19th, 2002 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200201190nwe.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007170831/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200201190nwe.htm |archive-date=October 7, 2017 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2002 Oakland Raiders season}}

Lechler's third professional season saw the Raiders have a lot of success. During a Week 4 52–25 victory over the Tennessee Titans, he punted thrice for 134 yards and a 44.67 average in his season debut.{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Titans at Oakland Raiders – September 29th, 2002 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200209290rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170723/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200209290rai.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the next game against the Buffalo Bills, Lechler had five punts for a season-high 250 yards for a 50.00 average during the 49–31 road victory.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Buffalo Bills – October 6th, 2002 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200210060buf.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827213000/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200210060buf.htm |archive-date=August 27, 2017 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a Week 16 28–16 victory over the Denver Broncos, he had a season-high six punts for 244 yards for a 40.67 average.{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – December 22nd, 2002 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200212220rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170710/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200212220rai.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Overall, in the regular season, Lechler totaled 53 punts for 2,251 yards for a 42.47 average.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler 2002 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165125/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2002 |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

The Raiders finished atop the AFC West for the third consecutive year with an 11–5 record and made the playoffs.{{Cite web |title=2002 Oakland Raiders Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2002.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170655/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2002.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} After two victories over the New York Jets in the Divisional Round and the Titans in the AFC Championship Game, Lechler appeared in his first Super Bowl.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – New York Jets at Oakland Raiders – January 12th, 2003 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200301120rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165122/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200301120rai.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – Tennessee Titans at Oakland Raiders – January 19th, 2003 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200301190rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165039/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200301190rai.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During Super Bowl XXXVII against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he had five punts for 195 yards for a 39.00 average in the 48–21 loss.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XXXVII – Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Oakland Raiders – January 26th, 2003 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200301260rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013093309/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200301260rai.htm |archive-date=October 13, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2003 Oakland Raiders season}}

During the season-opening 25–20 road loss to the Titans, Lechler recorded seven punts for 353 net yards for a 50.43 average.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans – September 7th, 2003 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200309070oti.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165127/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200309070oti.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a Week 5 24–21 road loss to the Chicago Bears, he punted thrice for 166 yards for a season-high 55.33 average.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Chicago Bears – October 5th, 2003 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200310050chi.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003012515/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200310050chi.htm |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the regular-season finale against the Chargers, he had a season-high nine punts for a season-high 424 yards for a 47.11 average as during the 21–14 road loss.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – December 28th, 2003 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200312280sdg.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170737/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200312280sdg.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Lechler recorded a 73-yard punt, which was the longest by any punter in the NFL for the 2003 season.{{Cite web |title=2003 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2003/leaders.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003012516/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2003/leaders.htm |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Lechler finished the 2003 season with 96 punts for 4,503 yards for a 46.91 average as the Raiders finished the season with a 4–12 record.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler 2003 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165103/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2003 |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2003 Oakland Raiders Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2003.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was named as a First Team All-Pro for the second time.{{Cite web |title=2003 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2003/allpro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002035447/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2003/allpro.htm |archive-date=October 2, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2004 Oakland Raiders season}}

Lechler started his fifth professional season in the season-opening 24–21 road loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, punting thrice for 132 yards and a 44 average.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers – September 12th, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200409120pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170658/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200409120pit.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a Week 6 31–3 loss to the Broncos, Lechler had a season-high seven punts for a season-high 333 yards for a 47.57 average.{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – October 17th, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200410170rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170653/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200410170rai.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Three weeks later against the Carolina Panthers, he punted thrice for 167 yards for a season-high 55.67 average in the 27–24 road victory.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Carolina Panthers – November 7th, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200411070car.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165030/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200411070car.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Lechler finished the season with 73 punts for 3,409 yards for a 46.7 average as the Raiders finished with a 5–11 record.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler 2004 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2004 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165107/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2004 |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2004 Oakland Raiders Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2004.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He earned a second Pro Bowl nomination and was named as a First Team All-Pro for the third time.{{Cite web |title=2004 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009132137/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/probowl.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2004 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/allpro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002072127/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/allpro.htm |archive-date=October 2, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2005 Oakland Raiders season}}

In the season-opening 30–20 road loss to the Patriots on Thursday Night Football, Lechler had eight punts for 356 yards for a 44.5 average.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at New England Patriots – September 8th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200509080nwe.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170747/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200509080nwe.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On Christmas Eve against the Broncos, he recorded five punts for 295 yards for a season-high 59.00 average.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – December 24th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200512240den.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165114/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200512240den.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On New Year's Eve against the New York Giants, Lechler had a season-high nine punts for a season-high 421 yards for a 46.78 average.{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at Oakland Raiders – December 31st, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200512310rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170721/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200512310rai.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Lechler finished the 2005 season with 82 punts for 3,744 yards for a 45.66 average as the Raiders finished with a 4–12 record.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler 2005 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2005 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170643/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2005 |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2005 Oakland Raiders Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2005.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2006 Oakland Raiders season}}

During the season-opening 27–0 shutout loss to the Chargers on Monday Night Football, Lechler recorded nine punts for 420 yards for a 46.67 average.{{Cite web |title=San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders - September 11th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200609110rai.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a Week 9 16–0 shutout loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, he had a season-high 10 punts for a season-high 450 yards for a 45.00 average.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Seattle Seahawks - November 6th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200611060sea.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Lechler finished the 2006 season with totaled 77 punts for 3,660 yards for a 47.53 average as the Raiders struggled to a 2–14 record.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler 2006 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2006 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2006 Oakland Raiders Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2006.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Image:Sebastian Janikowski.jpg in 2007]]

{{See also|2007 Oakland Raiders season}}

During a narrow Week 7 12–10 loss to the Chiefs, Lechler had a season-high nine punts for a season-high 461 yards for a 51.22 average.{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders - October 21st, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200710210rai.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Three weeks later against the Bears, he had nine punts for 433 yards for a 48.11 average in the 17–6 loss.{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears at Oakland Raiders - November 11th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200711110rai.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Lechler finished the 2007 season with 73 punts for 3,585 yards for a 49.11 average as the Raiders finished with a 4–12 record.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2007 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2007 Oakland Raiders Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2007.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During the 2008 Pro Bowl, he punted for 55 yards.{{Cite news |title=Could punter's Raiders tenure be over? |url=http://www.sacbee.com/sports/story/1501397.html}}{{dead link|date=March 2018|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}

Image:Shane Lechler punts at Falcons at Raiders 11-2-08.JPG

{{See also|2008 Oakland Raiders season}}

During the season-opening 41–14 loss to the Broncos on Monday Night Football, Lechler recorded five punts for 255 yards for a 51.00 average.{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders - September 8th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200809080rai.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a Week 10 17–6 loss to the Panthers, he had a season-high 11 punts for a season-high 556 yards for a 50.55 average.{{Cite web |title=Carolina Panthers at Oakland Raiders - November 9th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200811090rai.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Two weeks later against the Broncos, Lechler punted thrice for 176 yards for a season-high 58.67 average in the 31–10 road loss.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos - November 23rd, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200811230den.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Lechler finished the 2008 season with 90 punts for 4,391 yards for a 48.79 average as the Raiders finished with a 5–11 record.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler 2008 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2008 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2008 Oakland Raiders Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2008.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

File:Shane Lechler2.jpg

{{See also|2009 Oakland Raiders season}}

On February 18, 2009, Lechler signed a four-year, $12 million contract, making him the highest-paid punter in NFL history.{{Cite web |last=Clayton |first=John |date=February 19, 2009 |title=Raiders' Lechler to become highest-paid punter |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3917201 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017180908/https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3917201 |archive-date=October 17, 2021 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}

During the season-opening 24–20 loss to the Chargers on Monday Night Football, Lechler had four punts for 195 yards for a 48.75 average.{{Cite web |title=San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders - September 14th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200909140rai.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the next game against the Chiefs, he recorded seven punts for 398 yards for a season-high 56.86 average during the 13–10 road victory.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs - September 20th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200909200kan.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a Week 10 16–10 loss to the Chiefs, Lechler had a season-high 11 punts for a season-high 531 yards for a 48.27 average.{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders - November 15th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911150rai.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Lechler finished the 2009 season with 96 punts for 4,909 yards for a 51.14 average as the Raiders finished with a 5–11 record for the second consecutive year.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler 2009 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2009 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2009 Oakland Raiders Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2009.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} His 4,909 yards in the 2009 season marked the Raiders franchise record for most punting yards in a season.{{Cite web |title=Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders Single-Season Kicking & Punting Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/single-season-kicking.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

File:Shane-Lechler Oct 24 2010.jpg

{{See also|2010 Oakland Raiders season}}

During the season-opening 38–13 road loss to the Titans, Lechler recorded four punts for 219 yards for a season-high 54.75 average.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans - September 12th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201009120oti.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a Week 11 35–3 loss to the Steelers, he had a season-high eight punts for a season-high 390 yards for a 48.75 average.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers - November 21st, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201011210pit.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Lechler finished the 2010 season with 77 punts for 3,618 yards for a 46.99 average as the Raiders finished with an 8–8 record.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2010 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2010 Oakland Raiders Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2010.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2011 Oakland Raiders season}}

During the season-opening 23–20 road victory over the Broncos, Lechler had six punts for 349 yards for a season-high 58.17 average.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos - September 12th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109120den.htm |access-date=January 6, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a Week 6 24–17 victory over the Cleveland Browns, as the holder for placekicker Sebastian Janikowski, Lechler threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kevin Boss on a fake field goal attempt.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at Oakland Raiders - October 16th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201110160rai.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a Week 12 25–20 victory over the Bears, Lechler recorded a career-best 80-yard punt. That punt, kicked from his own 10-yard line (the Oakland 20-yard line was the line of scrimmage), bounced at the Chicago 11 and went into the end zone after traveling 79 yards in the air, setting a franchise record for the longest punt by a Raider.{{Cite web |title=NFL News, Scores, Schedule & Standings - Pro Football | Sporting News |url=http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-11-27/janikowsi-lechler-share-special-day}} He finished the game with five punts for 273 yards.{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears at Oakland Raiders - November 27th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111270rai.htm |access-date=January 6, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the next game against the Dolphins, Lechler had a season-high eight punts for a season-high 372 yards for a 46.5 average during the 34–14 road loss.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins - December 4th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201112040mia.htm |access-date=January 6, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Lechler finished the 2011 season with 78 punts for 3,960 yards for a 50.77 average as the Raiders finished with an 8–8 record for the second consecutive year.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler 2011 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2011 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2011 Oakland Raiders Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2011.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2012 Oakland Raiders season}}

Lechler had a quiet season opener against the Chargers on Monday Night Football, punting twice for 114 yards for a season-high 57.00 average in the 22–14 loss.{{Cite web |title=San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders - September 10th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209100rai.htm |access-date=January 6, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the next game against the Dolphins, his usage increased with a season-high nine punts for a season-high 422 yards for a 46.89 average during the 35–13 loss.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins - September 16th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209160mia.htm |access-date=January 6, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Lechler finished the 2012 season with 81 punts for 3,826 yards for a 47.23 average as the Raiders finished with a 4–12 record.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2012 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2012 Oakland Raiders Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2012.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2013 Houston Texans season}}

On March 23, 2013, Lechler signed a three-year deal worth $5.5 million with a $1 million signing bonus with the Houston Texans.{{Cite web |last=Duncan |first=Chris |date=March 23, 2013 |title=Texans Sign Shane Lechler |url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9087099/punter-shane-lechler-signs-houston-texans |access-date=March 23, 2013 |publisher=espn.go.com}}

During the season-opening 31–28 comeback road victory over the Chargers on Monday Night Football, Lechler punted thrice for 135 yards for a 45.00 average in his Texans debut.{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at San Diego Chargers - September 9th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309090sdg.htm |access-date=January 6, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a Week 10 27–24 road loss to the Arizona Cardinals, he became just the sixth player in NFL history to reach the 50,000 punt-yard mark during his second punt of the game. In the next game against his former team, the Oakland Raiders, Lechler had a season-high nine punts for 442 yards for a 49.11 average during the 28–23 loss.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans - November 17th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311170htx.htm |access-date=January 6, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Lechler finished the 2013 season with 88 punts for 4,189 yards for a 47.60 average as the Texans struggled to a 2–14 record.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2013 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2013 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2013.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2014 Houston Texans season}}

During the season-opening 17–6 victory over the Washington Redskins, Lechler recorded six punts for 306 yards for a 51.00 average.{{Cite web |title=Washington Redskins at Houston Texans - September 7th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409070htx.htm |access-date=January 6, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a Week 6 33–28 loss to the Colts on Thursday Night Football, he had four punts for 218 yards for a season-high 54.5 average.{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans - October 9th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410090htx.htm |access-date=January 6, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a Week 15 17–10 road loss to the Colts, third-string quarterback Tom Savage was injured with under two minutes left and Houston down by seven, needing a touchdown to tie the game. All of their other quarterbacks were injured, and Lechler, a former high school quarterback, began to warm up. Houston called a timeout after the injury and Savage stayed in the game, throwing an interception on the very next play. Lechler never entered the game as a quarterback.{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts - December 14th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412140clt.htm |access-date=January 6, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the next game against the Baltimore Ravens, he had a season-high eight punts for a season-high 361 yards for a 45.13 average during the 25–13 victory.{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans - December 21st, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412210htx.htm |access-date=January 6, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Lechler finished the 2014 season with 83 punts for 3,845 yards for a 46.33 average as the Texans finished with a 9–7 record and missed out on the playoffs.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2014 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2014 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2014.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2015 Houston Texans season}}

During the season-opening 27–20 loss to the Chiefs, Lechler had seven punts for 329 yards for a 47.00 average.{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans - September 13th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201509130htx.htm |access-date=January 6, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a Week 11 24–17 victory over the Jets, he recorded eight punts for a season-high 417 yards for a 52.13 average.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at Houston Texans - November 22nd, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511220htx.htm |access-date=January 6, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Lechler finished the 2015 season with 95 punts for 4,497 yards for a 47.34 average.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2015 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Texans finished the 2015 season atop the AFC South with a 9–7 record and qualified for the playoffs.{{Cite web |title=2015 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2015.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In his first playoff game since the 2002 season, Lechler had five punts for 228 yards (45.60 average) during the 30–0 shoutout loss to the Chiefs in the Wild Card Round.{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans - January 9th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601090htx.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2016 Houston Texans season}}

On March 11, 2016, Lechler signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Texans.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Aaron |date=March 11, 2016 |title=Contract details for Texans' Shane Lechler |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/Contract-details-for-Texans-Shane-Lechler-Eddie-6884132.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207041943/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/Contract-details-for-Texans-Shane-Lechler-Eddie-6884132.php |archive-date=December 7, 2021 |access-date=October 2, 2022 |website=Chron.com}}

During the season opening 23–14 victory over the Bears, Lechler recorded five punts for 243 yards for a 48.6 average.{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears at Houston Texans – September 11th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609110htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165044/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609110htx.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 6, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a Week 8 20–13 victory over the Detroit Lions, he had four punts for 203 yards for a 50.75 average to earn AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions at Houston Texans – October 30th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610300htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214143728/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610300htx.htm |archive-date=February 14, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Week 8 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/week_8.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401164653/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/week_8.htm |archive-date=April 1, 2018 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a narrow Week 16 12–10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Lechler recorded a season-high eight punts for a season-high 371 yards for a 46.38 average.{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans – December 24th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201612240htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165303/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201612240htx.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 6, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Overall, on the 2016 season, he had 72 punts for 3,423 yards for a 47.54 average.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170728/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2016 |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

The Texans finished the 2016 season with a 9–7 record and qualified for the playoffs.{{Cite web |title=2016 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2016.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170732/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2016.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the Wild Card Round against the Raiders, Lechler had nine punts for 414 yards (46.00 average) during the 27–14 victory.{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans – January 7th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701070htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015050107/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701070htx.htm |archive-date=October 15, 2017 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During the Divisional Round against the Patriots, he recorded eight punts for 341 yards (42.63 average) in the 34–16 road loss.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Houston Texans at New England Patriots – January 14th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701140nwe.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203061940/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701140nwe.htm |archive-date=December 3, 2018 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2017 Houston Texans season}}

On March 8, 2017, Lechler signed a one-year contract extension with the Texans.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Aaron |date=March 8, 2017 |title=Texans' deals for Nick Novak, Shane Lechler total $3.15 million |url=http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-deals-for-Nick-Novak-Shane-Lechler-total-10986577.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428093446/https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-deals-for-Nick-Novak-Shane-Lechler-total-10986577.php |archive-date=April 28, 2019 |access-date=November 27, 2019 |website=Chron.com}}

During the season-opening 29–7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lechler had five punts for 216 net yards for a 43.2 average.{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans – September 10th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108032711/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100htx.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |access-date=January 6, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a Week 15 45–7 road loss to the Jaguars, he recorded a season-high 11 punts for a season-high 518 yards for a 47.09 average.{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars - December 17th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712170jax.htm |access-date=January 6, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Lechler finished the 2017 season with 92 punts for a league-leading 4,507 yards for a 48.99 average as the Texans finished with a 4–12 record.{{Cite web |title=Shane Lechler 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LechSh20/gamelog/2017 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2017 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2017.htm |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On March 8, 2018, Lechler signed a one-year contract for $2 million to remain with the Texans.{{Cite web |last=Barshop |first=Sarah |date=March 8, 2018 |title=Texans reportedly agree to re-sign punter Shane Lechler |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22690729/houston-texans-agree-re-sign-punter-shane-lechler |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529045019/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22690729/houston-texans-agree-re-sign-punter-shane-lechler |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |access-date=October 2, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}}

On August 31, 2018, Lechler was released by the Texans after rookie Trevor Daniel won the starting job.{{Cite news |last=McClain |first=John |date=August 31, 2018 |title=McClain: Shane Lechler didn't lose his job – Trevor Daniel won it |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/McClain-Shane-Lechler-didn-t-lose-his-job-13196546.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006000418/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/McClain-Shane-Lechler-didn-t-lose-his-job-13196546.php |archive-date=October 6, 2018 |access-date=October 5, 2018 |work=HoustonChronicle.com |language=en-US}} Afterwards, Lechler stated that he did not plan on retiring.{{Cite news |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=August 31, 2018 |title=Texans release 42-year-old punter Shane Lechler |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000957402/article/texans-release-42yearold-punter-shane-lechler |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229145025/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000957402/article/texans-release-42yearold-punter-shane-lechler |archive-date=February 29, 2020 |access-date=October 2, 2022 |work=NFL.com}}

After sitting out of the league for the entire 2018 season, Lechler officially announced his retirement on March 30, 2019.{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=March 30, 2019 |title=All-Pro punter Shane Lechler retiring after 18 seasons |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/all-pro-punter-shane-lechler-retiring-after-18-seasons-0ap3000001024786 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330155642/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001024786/article/allpro-punter-shane-lechler-retiring-after-18-seasons |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |access-date=March 30, 2019 |website=NFL.com}} He was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-2010s Team and the NFL 100 All-Time Team.{{Cite web |title=Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Teams – 2010s |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505030719/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/pfhof_all_decade_2010.htm |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=NFL 100 All Time Team |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-100-all-time-team.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002034614/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-100-all-time-team.htm |archive-date=October 2, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Lechler booted at least one punt of 50 yards or more in 33 consecutive games from Week 13 of 2003 through Week 14 of 2005, the longest streak by any player since the AFL/NFL merger in 1970.{{Cite web |date=March 25, 2013 |title=Longtime Oakland Raiders punter Shane Lechler signs with the Houston Texans |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/2013/03/longtime_oakland_raiders_punte.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003012517/https://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/2013/03/longtime_oakland_raiders_punte.html |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=OregonLive |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} He was a seven-time Pro Bowler, in 2001, 2004 and 2007–2011, and was voted All-Pro nine times (2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007–2011), with six of those being a 1st team selection. No other punter has been named a First-team All-pro more than Lechler.{{cite web | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/hof/hofm_P.htm | title=Pro Football P Hall of Fame Monitor | website=Pro-Football-Reference.com }} He held the NFL record in career average yards per punt for two decades starting in 2003, including his 47.6-yard average at retirement, and was not beaten until 2023 by Michael Dickson and AJ Cole.{{Cite web |title=NFL Yards per Punt Career Leaders (since 1939) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/punt_yds_per_punt_career.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704020554/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/punt_yds_per_punt_career.htm |archive-date=July 4, 2022 |access-date=December 3, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Lechler has the five best single-season punting averages in Raiders history, including a career-best 51.1 in 2009, the third-highest single-season average in league history (to Sammy Baugh's 51.4 in 1940 and Ryan Stonehouse's 53.1 in 2022).{{Cite web |title=Las Vegas/LA/Oakland Raiders Single-Season Kicking & Punting Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/single-season-kicking.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170649/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/single-season-kicking.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=NFL Yards per Punt Single-Season Leaders (since 1939) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/punt_yds_per_punt_single_season.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926140133/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/punt_yds_per_punt_single_season.htm |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Lechler is married to Erin Gibson, who was an All-American volleyball player at Texas A&M.{{Cite web |last=Zwerneman |first=Brent |date=January 6, 2017 |title=Erin Lechler has always been at her husband's side |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/aggies/article/Erin-Lechler-has-always-been-at-her-husband-s-side-10838830.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630221906/http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/aggies/article/Erin-Lechler-has-always-been-at-her-husband-s-side-10838830.php |archive-date=June 30, 2017 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Houston Chronicle |language=en-US}} He comes from an athletic family: both of his parents participated in Baylor athletics, and his brother Derek was a punter for Texas A&M.{{Cite web |last=McCormick |first=Terry |date=April 6, 2015 |title=Lechler relaxes by fishing with his brother |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/houston-texans/Article/Lechler-relaxes-by-fishing-with-his-brother-36634577/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003013523/https://247sports.com/nfl/houston-texans/Article/Lechler-relaxes-by-fishing-with-his-brother-36634577/ |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=247Sports.com |language=en-US}} Lechler has said that he is good friends with former teammate and All-Pro defensive end J. J. Watt.{{Cite news |last=McClain |first=John |author-link=John McClain |date=August 1, 2019 |title=Shane Lechler’s long goodbye was a real kick |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/Shane-Lechler-s-long-goodbye-was-a-real-kick-13733474.php |access-date=August 2, 2019 |work=HoustonChronicle.com |language=en-US}}

• List of most consecutive games played by National Football League players
• List of National Football League annual punting yards leaders
• List of National Football League career punting yards leaders

{{Notelist}}

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{{Commons category}}

• {{Footballstats |nfl=shane-lechler|espn=2273|yahoo=5171|pfr=L/LechSh20}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100929013122/http://www.12thmanfoundation.com/mag/Vol4/vol4no05/specialteams.asp 12th Man Magazine article]

{{Raiders2000DraftPicks}}

{{NFL punting yards leaders}}

{{NFL2000s}}

{{NFL2010s}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Lechler, Shane}}

Category:Living people

Category:1976 births

Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players

Category:American football punters

Category:Oakland Raiders players

Category:Houston Texans players

Category:21st-century American sportsmen

Category:People from Wharton County, Texas

Category:Texas A&M Aggies football players