When asked what he’s most proud of in his NFL career, it’s an easy answer for Shane Lechler.
You can’t find a punter more decorated than Lechler, who racked up an NFL-record nine All-Pro selections (six First-Team, three Second-Team) and seven Pro Bowls during his 13 seasons with the Raiders. He was also one of two punters to be named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
But those accomplishments aren’t necessarily reflective of what Lechler is most fond of. Within a career packed with quality, he focuses more on the quantity.
“I think for a long period of time, I was at the top of the list of punters doing it for 18 years,” Lechler told Raiders.com. “I think years of solid punting and being reliable, being a good teammate, trying to be a leader at the punter position, it’s not the easiest thing to do. But when you’re around as long as I was, being an elder person in the deal, people kind of lean on you.”
The highs did come with some lows, though, as the self-described “ultimate competitive” punter would trade in some of his records and personal accomplishments for more wins. His ability to weather the storm is something he’s equally proud of as a Raider, and as a man.
“We had some tough times when I was in Oakland,” Lechler said. “2000 through 2002 was unbelievable. It was great. AFC Championship Game, then Tuck Rule game and then the Super Bowl, that was my first three years in the league. And then after that, you go 2-14 a couple of times and a bunch of sub .500 years. I think [about] the mental toughness, not letting that affect how I played.
“Just trying to go out and be the best pro, the best teammate I could be and make sure my job was done at the top of the line.”
Lechler recently moved forward in the voting process for potential inclusion in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. He’s one of four special teamers to make the round of 52 modern-era players, soon to be cut down to 25 semifinalists.