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SNAP DECISION

After nine years with the Saints, being released came as a surprise to long snapper Kevin Houser
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
By Ted LewisStaff writer

Kevin Houser had special plans to commemorate his setting of the Saints' record for consecutive games played early this season.

It won't happen now.

The team released the nine-year veteran deep snapper Monday, leaving him four games shy of the franchise mark of 148 held by tackle Jim Dombrowski.

Along with the release of Houser, a seventh-round draft pick in 2000 who was the longest tenured player on the team, the Saints announced the signing of free agent Jason Kyle, a 14-year veteran who spent the past eight seasons with the Carolina Panthers.

"It's disappointing because it would have been such a cool thing to do (breaking the record), and it was something we'd really been looking forward to. I guess you shouldn't count your chickens before they hatch."

However, Houser said he had no ill feelings toward the Saints. In fact, they were just the opposite.

"When we look at everything we've done, and by we I mean my wife (Kristen) and myself, being able to touch the lives of so many thousands of people, it's been a great run," Houser said. "I'll think of how wonderful Mr. and Mrs. Benson have been to me, how grateful I am to management for sticking with me for nine years, how much I loved being part of the organization and how we've been able to build so many great relationships and being able to see this city bounce back after Katrina.

"There's nothing better than being able to run out on the Superdome floor on game day representing the Saints, the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. But this is a business where you put your best foot forward on the field, and if I'm not part of that plan, then I've got to move forward."

Houser said his immediate plans were to reflect on his time with the Saints before deciding on whether to continue his playing career.

"My wife and I love New Orleans," he said. "It's the place where we want to raise our kids, and I'd realistically thought I would retire here.

"I'm keeping my options open. The Saints just signed a 14-year veteran, so there's no reason why I shouldn't be able to continue, too."

SNAP DECISION - NOLA.com