Neil Rackers, a St. Louis native, enjoyed a successful 12-year NFL career as an All-Pro placekicker, earning recognition as one of the most consistent and hard-working specialists in the league. After his final training camp in 2011, Neil returned home to St. Louis with his wife and children, though he continues to maintain strong ties to Phoenix, where he remains active in the community as an Arizona Cardinals alumnus.

Neil has brought his passion for special teams back to his hometown, coaching at John Burroughs School, DeSmet Jesuit High School, and Lindenwood University, while also working alongside Coach David Brader to mentor the next generation of kickers, punters, and long snappers through Elite Special Teams Academy.

A firm believer in the value of hard work, discipline, and a positive attitude, Neil emphasizes not just the physical mechanics of kicking—but the mental side of the game, drawing from his own experiences under pressure on the biggest stages in football.

The Journey: From Walk-On to NFL Veteran

Neil began placekicking as a sophomore at Aquinas-Mercy High School, and in his very first game, he hit two field goals—catching the attention of former NFL kicker Pat Leahy, who offered to mentor him. That relationship proved pivotal. Despite receiving multiple soccer scholarship offers, Neil followed his passion and chose to walk on at the University of Illinois, defying conventional advice.

After redshirting his freshman year, Neil dedicated himself to rigorous training—adding 40 pounds of muscle and sharpening his technique under the guidance of strength and kicking coaches. By his second season, he earned the starting job and a full scholarship.

His performance caught the eye of NFL scouts, and in 2000, Neil was drafted in the 6th round by the Cincinnati Bengals. He would go on to have a decorated professional career with the Bengals, Arizona Cardinals, and Houston Texans.

NFL Career Highlights

• 2005 NFL AP All-Pro Kicker

• 2005 NFL Pro Bowl Selection

• 2009 Super Bowl Appearance

• 2008 & 2010 Pro Bowl Alternate

• NFL Record (Tied) – Most 50+ yard field goals in a game (3)

• NFL Record – Most career tackles by a placekicker (46)

• One of only three kickers to hold FG% records for two different teams (Cardinals & Texans)

• NFL FG% Leader – 2005 & 2009

• 264 career field goals, 1,164 career points

• Team Captain – Voted special teams captain by teammates (Cardinals & Texans)

• Multiple team records with the Cardinals and Texans, including:

  • Most points in a season

  • Most field goals in a season

  • Highest FG%

  • Most consecutive field goals made

Today, Neil channels his elite-level experience and passion for the game into coaching young athletes across the St. Louis area, helping them reach their full potential both on the field and in life.