Houston Texans punter Cam Johnston is one of two punters this season who has booted more than 70 punts this season. The other punter is the Seattle Seahawks’ Michael Dickson.
A.J. Cole from the Las Vegas Raiders will represent the AFC with his 50.6 yards per punt.
Cole hasn’t even hit the 60-punt threshold. Among such punters, only the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Logan Cooke’s 47.1 yards per punt is higher than Johnston’s 46.9.
Texans special teams coach Frank Ross doesn’t believe the lack of Pro Bowl recognition will affect Johnston for the final three games.
“I guess maybe in my own heart that stuff is nice, but you play the game not for accolades, you play the game just to be the best of yourself,” Ross said. “I think Cam, that’s not going to affect anything about any of our players. We’re going to compete every day regardless of what the outcome is. The ultimate goal is to be the best that you can possibly be, and hopefully that results in a championship. I think all those things along the way will take care of themselves.”
Johnston has punted a career high 75 times for 3,514 yards and has recorded a longest punt of 69 yards, also a career high. Although the Texans have been languishing at 3-11, Johnston has had a stupendous year personally.
“As far as how he’s played, I want him to continue to press to every punt, every rep, punt in and punt out to be executed with whatever that call or circumstance in the game will dictate, and hopefully he will do that to the best of his abilities,” said Ross.
Johnston will get opportunities to punt as the Texans take on the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time at NRG Stadium.