Illinois Football: Five Former Illini In The NFL Who Have Had Successful Careers

4) Neil Rackers

Dec 4, 2011; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans kicker Neil Rackers (4) kicks an extra point against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-US Presswire

Neil Rackers has become one of the best kickers in the NFL since being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft.

The one thing Rackers has been known for during his thirteen year career is being a power guy. Dude has got a boot. He’s got so much power that he has the most field goals of 55 yards or more in one quarter (2) and most field goals of 50 yards or more in one game (3).

He is also the two-time leader in field goal attempts in the NFL (2005, 2006).

His 2005 season with the Arizona Cardinals is arguably Rackers’ best season as a kicker. This is because he was a Pro Bowler and All-Pro that year while winning the PFWA’s Golden Toe award. Just a few years later with the Cardinals, Neil Rackers became an NFC Conference Champion, but lost in the Super Bowl to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Overall, Neil Rackers has made 264 out of 330 field goals (80%) and his longest field goal has been from 57 yards.