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Louisiana Sports: New Orleans Hornets Losses, NBA Trades, Saints Snapper

Written by: Ed Staton

They are anonymous except in times of disaster, for which they are invariably blamed. They are paid to perform an act that gives them an upside-down perspective on the world that leaves them in an absurdly vulnerable that cried out to opponents: Clobber me! Is it any wonder in an inordinately incidence of strangeness among NFL long snappers.

But not so with the Saints' Kevin Houser, a family man. a registered financial broker, and a professional player who devotes much of time to fund-raising for needy children.

Among the NFL's long-snapper number we find a poet, the co-owner of a boutique, a rock singer, and a heavily tattooed heavy-metal junkie who has sported a Mohawk. And you thought kickers were flakes.

Houser is known for his accuracy and rapid delivery and has been one of league's best since joining the Saints in 2000. He has handled all snapping duties and placements since his arrival as a seventh-round pick out of Ohio State and also is one of the top contributors on the punt coverage teams.

As a long snapper, he takes a football and snaps it on a tight spiral eight yards to a waiting field goal holder or 15 yards into the hands of a punter who is facing an all-out rush. Once the long snapper gets rid of the ball, he must look up and help block the defense's charge. On a punt, once the ball is kicked, he must head downfield on assignment to help stop the returner. it is a job that is performed several times during a game, but no one notices the snapper's name unless something goes wrong, which in turn, keeps the kick attempt or punt from being successful.

Houser's responsibilities on punts are in the areas of protection and coverage. "After the snap, depending on whether the opponent is returning the ball or or they're rushing the kick, I've got a guy to block like everyone else," said Houser. "In the event of a return, I go downfield and attempt to make the tackle or help make the tackle."

Houser was the third member of his family to play at Ohio State, following father, Tom, and brother, Bob. He saw action at tight end and on special teams with the Buckeyes. He had 6 catches for 55 yards and 2 touchdowns as a senior.

Louisiana Sports: New Orleans Hornets Losses, NBA Trades, Saints Snapper