Larry Izzo built a unique career out of busting wedges and tackling kick returners as a Pro Bowl special teams ace. It spanned 14 years for the former Rice standout linebacker from The Woodlands.
Now, the Texans' new special teams coordinator is coaching a player with even more longevity in seven-time former Pro Bowl punter Shane Lechler.
Signed to a one-year, $1.8 million contract this offseason that included a $500,000 signing bonus and a $1.3 million base salary this offseason, Lechler, 39, is entering his 17th NFL season.
Lechler is two years younger than Izzo who retired following the 2009 season with the New York Jets after being selected to three Pro Bowls with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots.