Jon Gruden’s tenure with the Oakland Raiders seems to mark the end of a new era of Raiders: the team is reportedly breaking up with their long-time kicker Sebastian Janikowski.
ESPN reports that. Accordingly, Janikowski, whose contract expires, will not receive a new deal from the Raiders. That means the end of a long run: Janikowski was awarded the 17th place in the 2000 draft by the Raiders. Pick of the first round – since then he has played continuously for Oakland.
The now 39-year-old native Pole has since tried 515 regular-season-field-goals, of which he converted 414. His longest goal came from a distance of 63 yards, but from 563 PATs he missed only six.
But the separation had become apparent. Janikowski missed the entire season last season due to persistent back problems and was solidly represented by Giorgio Tavecchio.
In fact, there is also a direct connection to the old, new Raiders coach: The former team owner Al Davis had insisted in Draft 2000 on pecking Janikowski in the first round – Gruden wanted Running Back Shaun Alexander or Wide Receiver Sylvester Morris, but Davis prevailed.