Why Texans’ Ka’imi Fairbairn is one of the most accurate kickers in NFL: ‘Focus is a big thing’

HOUSTON – Ka’imi Fairbairn measured his steps as carefully as he always does, a repetitive motion as lined up for another long-distance kick.

As the Texans’ veteran kicker followed through on successful field goals from 62 yards and 57 yards at training camp, his mechanics were textbook. Fairbairn has practically perfected the art of consistency, especially during the last two seasons when he’s been the most accurate kicker in the NFL.

Between his fundamentals and dedication to his conditioning and nutrition regimen, Fairbairn has continued to improve heading into his eighth NFL season. The former Lou Groza award winner from UCLA made 27 of 28 field goals and 21 of 22 extra points, connecting on 11 of 12 field goals from 50 yards or beyond the past two seasons.

And the Texans rewarded Fairbairn with a three-year, $15.9 million contract this offseason that averages $5.3 million annually, The deal includes $11.06 million guaranteed with a $4.3 million signing bonus and fully guaranteed base salaries of $2.03 million and $4.73 million during the first two years of the deal. He’s the fourth highest paid kicker in the league behind Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens, four years, $24 million, $6 million average), followed by Matt Gay (Indianapolis Colts, four years, $22.5 million, $5.62 million average), Graham Gano (three years, $16.5 million, $5.5 million)

“Day in and day out, putting the work in,” Fairbairn told KPRC 2. “Focus is a big thing and not letting mental distractions creep in and taking every rep seriously, whether it’s in practice myself or obviously in the game. Taking everything, the same approach every day.”

Fairbairn missed six regular-season games due to a strained calf. In his absence, Matt Ammendola filled in for him, but missed three of nine field goals, and running back Dare Ogunbowale made a field goal. Fairbairn returned to hit a 54-yard game-winning kick in overtime against the Tennessee Titans as he made all four field goals.

Fairbairn has been extremely accurate since joining the Texans in 2017 as an undrafted free agent. He has connected on 175 of 201 career field goals, including 29 of 40 from 50 yards or longer, and 206 of 223 extra points. He had a rare missed extra point in a 23-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts, marking his first missed extra point since the 2021 season. And he had had the second-highest touchback rate of his career at a 63.8 percent clip last season. He has made 45 of 46 extra points over the last two seasons.

A large focus for Fairbairn, 30, this offseason has been his health. He’s been emphasizing flexibility to maintain his durability.

“Definitely, that was a big focus for me,” said Fairbairn, who has the eighth most field goals in the NFL since becoming the Texans’ regular kicker in 2017. “I can’t be helpful to my team if I’m not on the field, So, just a little less strength and a little more mobility was a little bit more of a focus for me as I’m on the other side of 30 now.

“Just changed a little bit. It’s been a good process for me to go through and continue to learn. I don’t think I’ve lost anything. Just continuing to stay strong in the weight room by my mobility and my flexibility and my core strength is the big focus.”

Now, Fairbairn is adjusting to the new kickoff rule along with the rest of the NFL.

“It’s fun,” he said. “It’s a new part of the game. We’re learning as we go. I feel like we have a pretty good plan and guys are pumped up and ready to go.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com