Shane Lechler, former longtime Raiders punter, retires after 18 seasons

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Shane Lechler spent 13 seasons in silver and black. If not for the legendary Ray Guy and his coffin corners, Lechler would be the best punter in Raiders history.

Right now, Guy is the only punter enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Lechler may eventually join him there.

Lechler’s on the clock now that he has retired from NFL football. That news broke Saturday morning, when J.J. Watt posted an Instagram from Lechler’s retirement party. The former Raider, who played the last five seasons in Houston, has apparently hung up his spurs.

Former punter Pat McAfee confirmed Lechler’s decision, followed by an NFL Network report.

Lechler last played in 2017. The Texans cut him in 2018, and he spent last season out of football.

Lechler is the all-time leader in yards per punt and total punting yards. He and Sebastian Janikowski were Raiders specialists for more than a decade, and were known for powerful legs and consistent performance. Lechler was allowed to sign with Houston in 2013, when the Raiders moved forward with Marquette King as their punter.

[RELATED: Raiders sign Luke Willson, add to already competitive tight end group]

Lechler was productive during an excellent career that got him paid. He earned $34.8 million over his 18 seasons, the highest sum of any punter, per sports contracts site spotrac.com. 

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