This Is 40: Andy Lee Still Punting Impressively For Cardinals

Andy Lee spent the offseason pondering retirement after 19 seasons in the NFL.

It wasn't the starting time fourth dimension the punter did this. But he contemplated it more than seriously than always.

Lee felt 50-l nigh the option while enjoying time with his family unit. He weighed what would happen if he retired or connected to suit up on Sundays.

"I feel God blest me with my talents," Lee said. "My married woman was like, 'Every bit long as you lot can go on to practice information technology, I think information technology'south a disservice not to continue to play.' "

And then here Lee is, turning 40 years old on Thursday, set to play another flavour as the Cardinals take their preseason opener in Cincinnati on Fri.

When the regular flavor begins, Lee will bring together Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady as the 2 agile players in their 40s. He will become just the quaternary Cardinal to play in their 40s, joining Hall of Famer Jim Thorpe (1928), Trey Junkin (2002), and Phil Dawson (2017) on the list.

"Information technology's an honor to exist able to play this game as long every bit I accept," Lee said. "I've worked hard for many years to care for myself and do the right things."

When the 49ers drafted Lee in the sixth round in 2004, his showtime goal was to go far through his 3-twelvemonth contract with the squad. He improved, eventually into ane of the better punters in the league, and aimed for 10 seasons in the league before information technology turned into 15. Soon, it became a year-past-year approach.

The Cardinals' assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers coached for the 49ers when the team drafted Lee 18 years ago. Lee earned 3 Pro Bowls and three All-Pro selections with the franchise.

"When we were evaluating Andy, we noticed how his leg is incredible fast," Rodgers said. "It was and so and still is at present. At that place was a lot of altitude going on with his punts. He came into the league with great easily and was a great holder from day one.

"As a young guy, he worked through some things, though he was notwithstanding practiced, and hit his footstep going into Yr 3. The consistency he's punted with all throughout his career is something all specialists strive to have."

Since joining the Cardinals in 2017, Lee'southward 47.6 punting average ranks No.1 in the league and represents the highest career full in team history.

His longevity -- he was higher teammates at Pitt with Larry Fitzgerald before coming out in the draft together -- is partly obvious, since his position doesn't require him to get touched often.

But Lee has also tried to save his body through his diet, 1 filled with lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. A good diet most of the time, something Lee acknowledged with a smile.

"I'k not getting rid of Doritos," Lee said. "I dearest them. I also eat a ton of ketchup, which is a lot of carbohydrate. But with Doritos, I swallow a bag one time a day."

Through all the practiced Lee has experienced in his Cardinals tenure, he said their 2021 playoff appearance -- his starting time with the team -- is the most gratifying moment.

"It had been a while since I was in the postseason before that happened," Lee said. "I thought it was a glimmer of hope of getting to the Super Bowl because when you make the playoffs, all you have to do is win, and you're in the Super Basin. Hopefully, we can build on that and brand a run this yr."

Lee has never been a birthday person because information technology'due south always occurred during camp, dating back to turning xviii as a freshman at the Academy of Pittsburgh. So the day has morphed into nothing special.

Just the veteran understands the magnitude of the upcoming ane and how it will touch the finishing touches of his NFL career.

"Information technology ways I'm officially old," Lee said with a laugh. "But I retrieve information technology means a lot to prove my kids what you lot can achieve if y'all work hard and exercise what you're supposed to do."

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Arizona Cardinals running back Keaontay Ingram (30), Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jace Whittaker (39) during the 2022 Arizona Cardinals Training Military camp at State Farm Stadium on Midweek, August 10, 2022 in Glendale, AZ.

Ethan Hajas/Arizona Cardinals

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Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Lecitus Smith (54), Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Greg Long (65) during the 2022 Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at Land Farm Stadium on Wednesday, Baronial 10, 2022 in Glendale, AZ.

Ethan Hajas/Arizona Cardinals

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Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Haggai Ndubuisi (69), \azduring the 2022 Arizona Cardinals Preparation Camp at State Subcontract Stadium on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 in Glendale, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals safe Jalen Thompson (34) during the 2022 Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at State Subcontract Stadium on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 in Glendale, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Victor Bolden (38) during the 2022 Arizona Cardinals Training Campsite at Land Subcontract Stadium on Wednesday, Baronial 10, 2022 in Glendale, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47), Arizona Cardinals safety Charles Washington (28), Arizona Cardinals running dorsum Eno Benjamin (26) during the 2022 Arizona Cardinals Grooming Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, August x, 2022 in Glendale, AZ.

Ethan Hajas/Arizona Cardinals

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Arizona Cardinals broad receiver Greg Dortch (83) during the 2022 Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wed, August x, 2022 in Glendale, AZ.

Ethan Hajas/Arizona Cardinals

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Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Greg Long (65) during the 2022 Arizona Cardinals Preparation Camp at Land Farm Stadium on Wed, August 10, 2022 in Glendale, AZ.

Ethan Hajas/Arizona Cardinals

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jontre Kirklin (31) during the 2022 Arizona Cardinals Preparation Army camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 in Glendale, AZ.

Ethan Hajas/Arizona Cardinals

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Arizona Cardinals running dorsum Jonathan Ward (29) during the 2022 Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wed, Baronial ten, 2022 in Glendale, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals tight end Chris Pierce Jr. (49),during the 2022 Arizona Cardinals Grooming Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wed, August 10, 2022 in Glendale, AZ.

Ethan Hajas/Arizona Cardinals

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during the 2022 Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, August ten, 2022 in Glendale, AZ.

Ethan Hajas/Arizona Cardinals

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Arizona Cardinals linebacker Myjai Sanders (41) during the 2022 Arizona Cardinals Grooming Army camp at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, Baronial 10, 2022 in Glendale, AZ.

Ethan Hajas/Arizona Cardinals

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Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (five) during the 2022 Arizona Cardinals Preparation Camp at Country Farm Stadium on Wednesday, Baronial ten, 2022 in Glendale, AZ.

Ethan Hajas/Arizona Cardinals

Source: https://www.azcardinals.com/news/this-is-40-andy-lee-still-punting-impressively-for-cardinals

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