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In the thrilling world of American football, every player’s role is vital to the team’s success. The kicker, often overlooked, plays a crucial role in scoring points during the game. In the case of the Houston Texans, their kicker is none other than Ka’imi Fairbairn. But what’s the story behind this kicker, and what happened to him in a recent game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Let’s dive into the world of Ka’imi Fairbairn and uncover the details.
| Name | Ka’imi Fairbairn |
| Born | January 29, 1994 |
| Age | 29 |
| Birthplace | Kailua, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 183 lb (83 kg) |
| Team | Houston Texans |
| Jersey Number | No. 15 |
| Position | Placekicker |
The Houston Texans’ Reliable Kicker – Ka’imi Fairbairn
Ka’imi Fairbairn, whose full name is John Christian Kaʻiminoeauloamekaʻikeokekumupaʻa, goes by “Ka’imi” for simplicity. Born on January 29, 1994, in Kailua, Hawaii, his name itself carries a significant meaning – “seeker of wisdom” in Hawaiian. This kicker’s journey in the world of football began at Punahou School in Honolulu, where he excelled in both football and soccer, showcasing his athletic prowess from a young age.
However, it wasn’t until a near-drowning incident that he decided to return to football, where he found his true calling as a kicker. His high school years were marked by remarkable achievements in football, earning him national recognition as one of the top high school kickers in the country.
Ka’imi Fairbairn’s College Career
Transitioning to college, Ka’imi Fairbairn continued to make waves as he played for the UCLA Bruins. He achieved something no other Bruin had done before – scoring at least 100 points in each of his four college seasons. While he faced some challenges with long-distance field goals, he made a name for himself by setting records and earning prestigious awards, including the Lou Groza Award for the best college kicker in the country in 2015.
His senior year was particularly remarkable, as he kicked a 60-yard field goal and set the Pac-12 record for the most career points, surpassing John Lee’s previous mark. This outstanding college career showcased his consistency and exceptional kicking abilities, making him a standout kicker.
Ka’imi Fairbairn’s Professional Career
After his successful college career, Ka’imi Fairbairn entered the professional football world as an undrafted free agent and signed with the Houston Texans in 2016. While his rookie year was marred by an injury that placed him on injured reserve, Fairbairn made a strong comeback in 2017 when he became the starting kicker for the Houston Texans.
He continued to make a significant impact, leading the league in points scored and breaking franchise records for field goals made. In recognition of his contributions, Fairbairn signed a substantial contract extension with the Texans in 2020, further solidifying his importance to the team as a reliable and talented kicker.
What Happened to Texans Kicker in the Tampa Bay Game?
In a recent game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Texans’ kicker, Ka’imi Fairbairn, faced an unfortunate turn of events. During the first half of the game, Fairbairn suffered a significant injury to his leg, specifically his quad muscle. This injury was severe enough to sideline him for the remainder of the match, leaving the Texans in a challenging situation.
Before the injury, Fairbairn had been one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL during that season, successfully making the majority of his field goals and extra point attempts. His absence presented a unique challenge for the team.
As a result of this unexpected setback, the Texans had to find a replacement kicker quickly. In a remarkable turn of events, they turned to running back Dare Ogunbowale, who typically plays a different position. Ogunbowale stepped up to the plate and assumed the role of the team’s kicker for the rest of the game, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a player.
Conclusion
The kicker of any football team holds a unique and essential role, and Ka’imi Fairbairn has proven his worth with his consistent and accurate kicks. Despite his recent injury, the Houston Texans have showcased their adaptability by relying on unexpected talents to fill the void left by their star kicker.
In the ever-changing world of sports, injuries are an inevitable part of the game, and teams must adapt to unforeseen circumstances. Ka’imi Fairbairn’s story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of both the player and the team.
Who is the Texans Kicker? What happened to Texans Kicker? – FAQs
1. Who is the Texans Kicker?
The kicker for the Houston Texans is Ka’imi Fairbairn, known for his accurate kicks and consistency.
2. What happened to Texans Kicker?
Ka’imi Fairbairn suffered a quad muscle injury during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading to his replacement by running back Dare Ogunbowale for the remainder of the match.
3. Tell me about Ka’imi Fairbairn’s early life.
Ka’imi Fairbairn was born on January 29, 1994, in Kailua, Hawaii, and excelled in both football and soccer during his high school years.
4. What was Ka’imi Fairbairn’s college career like?
In college, he played as the kicker for the UCLA Bruins and achieved significant success, winning awards and setting records.
5. How old is Ka’imi Fairbairn?
Ka’imi Fairbairn is 29 years old as of 2023 and continues to be a key player for the Houston Texans, despite going undrafted in the NFL. His consistent performance has been instrumental in the team’s success.
