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Texans Reveal Why They Elected Dare Ogunbowale As Emergency Kicker

Originally posted on FanNation Texans Daily
By Coty M. Davis | Last updated 11/10/23

The Houston Texans' comeback victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went through several twists and turns. But none more so than the events that took place after kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn exited the game with a quad injury.

Running back Dare Ogunbowale filled in for Fairbairn as the Texans' emergency kicker. And during a vital moment in the fourth quarter, Ogunbowale nailed a 29-yard field goal to give the Texans a 33-30 lead with 8:48 left in the game.

But as great as Ogunbowale's clutch field goal played a significant role in Houston's win, the decision to trust a running back was puzzling, given that the Texans had punter Cam Johnston available.

According to Texans' special teams coordinator Frank Ross, the decision to elect Ogunbowale over Johnston came down to their respective backgrounds.

"Cam is Australian, they grow up playing Australian football — it's like rugby," Ross said. "They have never hit anything off the ground before. They have a different leg swing. But the fact that we did have a guy with soccer playing experience, you will rather work with that same operation of Cam holding and Dare kicking."

Ogunbowale became the second non-kicker in league history to make a field goal in a regular season game. Former New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker was the first to achieve the feat against the Miami Dolphins in 2004.

Everyone was thrilled when Ogunbowale nailed the 29-yard field goal. But despite the accomplishment, no one within the Texans' organization wants to replicate the moment.

Ahead of their Week 10 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Texans signed veteran kicker Matt Ammendola to their practice squad roster Tuesday afternoon.

"How cool is football?" Ross said. "It is the most randomized sport. It's 11-on-11, and anything can happen. Next man up. Making a play here. Making a stop there. Cam tried to recover a fumble on the punt team.

"Every week, it's about making sure that when the opportunity arises, you capitalize. We did that, to say the least."

This article first appeared on FanNation Texans Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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