For decades, special teams specialists in the NFL have been among the lowest paid in the league. Last year, the highest paid kicker, Sebastian Janikowski of Oakland, made just over $3 million, and the highest paid punter, Chris Kluwe of Minnesota, made $2.6 million. Kicking the ball for a living has earned players significantly less money than those who run or throw it.
Also, these players have THE worst job security in the league, perhaps even in professional sports in America. No matter how consistent you are, if you screw up even once in clutch time, you could be out of a job. For example, Mike Vanderjagt is the most accurate kicker in NFL history, making 86% of field goal attempts. However, he missed a few crucial field goals while playing for the Cowboys in 2006, and was released. He is now playing in the Canadian Football League, and has not returned to the NFL since. This lack of job security combined with the small salaries makes the life of an NFL kicker or punter not seem worth all the stress.
Now, however, these players are beginning to be recognized. Yesterday, Tennessee re-signed former all=pro kicker Rob Bironas to a four year, $12 million contract, the highest in the NFL for a kicker. Hours later, Oakland made punter Shane Lechler the highest-paid punter in NFL history, by resigning the former all-pro to a four year, $16 million deal.
Its about time teams started to recognize the importance of these players. For decades, games have been lost due to poor special team play. Kickers have missed critical field goals and punters have shanked kicks late in games far more often than coaches would like. In clutch time, having a good kicker and/or punter is one of the most important things a team could have.
Nevertheless, punters and kickers still have the smallest average salary amongst NFL players. On their wish lists for the offseason, general managers put special teamers near the bottom. Kickers are rarely drafted, and draft picks are almost never used on punters. These players, who play such an underappreciated role, get no respect from NFL front offices.
As special teamers become even more and more important to the success of NFL teams, maybe more teams will wise up like the Titans and Raiders and pay the guys who often determine the outcome of the game.
