Kaʻimi Fairbairn Injury Update: What Happened to Texans Kicker Kaʻimi Fairbairn? Why don't the Texans Have a Kicker? Is Texan Kicker Kaʻimi Fairbairn Injured?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Nov 06, 2023
Kaʻimi Fairbairn Injury Update
Ka'imi Fairbairn, the kicker for the Houston Texans, was forced to conclude the game prematurely against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9 due to a quad injury. The team confirmed his absence from the field at halftime at the NRG Stadium. With Fairbairn sidelined, the Texans resorted to utilizing running back Dare Ogunbowale for kickoff duties, navigating the game without attempting any extra points or field goals thus far.
Earlier in the week, special teams coordinator Frank Ross commended Fairbairn's performance, emphasizing his proficiency in executing successful kicks. Ross expressed hope that Fairbairn would continue to excel in his role, underscoring the significance of his contributions to the team's special teams dynamics.
Fairbairn's injury comes as a significant setback for the Texans, who now face the challenge of adjusting their gameplay strategy in the absence of their reliable kicker. The team will likely have to rely on interim solutions to fill the gap left by Fairbairn, with Ogunbowale stepping in for kickoff duties.
Fairbairn's absence not only impacts the team's immediate performance in the game against the Buccaneers but also raises concerns about the Texans' upcoming matches and their ability to secure crucial points through successful field goal attempts and extra points. Despite Fairbairn's absence, the team remains hopeful for his swift recovery, recognizing the crucial role he plays in their overall performance, particularly in the realm of special teams.
Who is Kaʻimi Fairbairn?
Kaʻimi Fairbairn is a prominent American football placekicker known for his tenure with the Houston Texans in the National Football League (NFL). Prior to his professional career, Fairbairn distinguished himself as a standout player in college football while representing the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
During his time at UCLA, he garnered widespread recognition, earning the prestigious title of consensus first-team All-American during his senior year. Notably, in 2015, he secured the esteemed Lou Groza Award, which is presented to the top college kicker in the nation. Additionally, Fairbairn solidified his place in the Pac-12 Conference record books as the leading scorer, a testament to his exceptional skill and performance on the field throughout his college career.
Despite going undrafted upon completing his college football journey, Fairbairn's talent and dedication secured him a place in the NFL, as he signed with the Houston Texans as a free agent. His remarkable capabilities quickly propelled him to the forefront, earning him the position of the team's starting kicker in the subsequent year, 2017. Fairbairn's journey from college football success to his pivotal role with the Texans showcases his unwavering commitment and talent, solidifying his reputation as a key player within the NFL.
Name
Kaʻimi Fairbairn
Gender
Male
Born
January 29, 1994
Born Place
Kailua, Hawaii, U.S.
Age
29
Height
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
High school
Punahou (Honolulu, Hawaii)
College
UCLA (2012–2015)
Undrafted
2016
Weight
183 lb (83 kg)
Team
Houston Texans (2016–present)
Position
Placekicker
Jersey No.
15
Parents
John and Rochelle Fairbairn
Marital Status
Married
Wife
Rachel
Children
1
Full Name
John Christian Kaʻiminoeauloamekaʻikeokekumupaʻa "Kaʻimi" Fairbairn
Kaʻimi Fairbairn Career
Kaʻimi Fairbairn's career trajectory exemplifies his journey from a determined college athlete to a seasoned NFL kicker. Commencing his football journey as a true freshman at UCLA in 2012, Fairbairn swiftly established himself as a standout player, marking the beginning of his notable accomplishments in the realm of college football.
Despite facing initial challenges, including missed extra points and struggles with longer field goals, Fairbairn's resilience and dedication propelled him to achieve remarkable milestones, including becoming the first Bruin to score at least 100 points in each of his four seasons, thereby solidifying his position as a pivotal contributor to his team's success.
His senior year in 2015 served as a pinnacle in Fairbairn's collegiate career, as he attained several significant achievements, including securing the prestigious Lou Groza Award, an honor bestowed upon the nation's top college kicker. Additionally, he garnered first-team All-American recognition, further highlighting his exceptional prowess and skill on the field. Fairbairn's college football journey culminated with a notable performance in the Foster Farms Bowl, despite a few missed opportunities, showcasing his resilience and determination in the face of challenges.
Transitioning to the NFL, Fairbairn's journey continued with the Houston Texans, where he overcame setbacks, including a season on injured reserve in 2016, to secure his place as the team's starting kicker in 2017. His subsequent seasons with the Texans underscored his consistent performance and valuable contributions, evidenced by his impressive record of successful field goals and extra points.
Notably, Fairbairn's resilience and skill were exemplified in critical moments, including his game-winning field goal during the playoffs in 2019, further solidifying his reputation as a dependable and clutch player within the league. With a continued display of proficiency and dedication, Fairbairn's career serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment and unwavering determination to excel in the realm of professional football.
Kaʻimi Fairbairn's Early Life
During his formative years, Kaʻimi Fairbairn initially found his footing as a kicker in football but soon discovered his passion for receiving the ball instead. Attending Punahou School for his high school education, Fairbairn excelled as a versatile athlete, showcasing his skills in both football and soccer. In the realm of soccer, he notably assumed the role of central defender, earning the prestigious title of a two-time first-team all-state player and contributing significantly to his team's triumphs, which included securing two state championships.
Surprisingly, Fairbairn's initial inclination didn't lean towards football during his time at Punahou. Instead, he initially explored the option of water polo, aiming to venture into a different sporting domain. However, after a harrowing incident where he nearly drowned, Fairbairn recognized his limitations as a swimmer and ultimately gravitated back towards his first love, football.
Throughout his high school journey, Fairbairn's remarkable performance on the field earned him notable accolades, including being named as a second-team all-state player during his sophomore year, followed by consecutive first-team all-state titles in his junior and senior years.
Notably, Fairbairn shared the field with renowned teammate DeForest Buckner, solidifying his position as a standout athlete. His impressive high school career culminated in national recognition, with Fairbairn earning the distinction of being ranked as the No. 4 recruit in the country for his kicking abilities.
Kaʻimi Fairbairn Family Background
Kaʻimi Fairbairn, originally hailing from Kailua, Hawaii, was born to John and Rochelle Fairbairn, reflecting a strong connection to his Hawaiian heritage and culture. From a young age, Fairbairn embraced his Hawaiian identity and chose to be known by his traditional name, Kaʻimi, relinquishing the use of his given name, John Christian. In the Hawaiian language, his name holds significant significance, translating to "seeker of wisdom," a representation of his personal journey and values.
Fairbairn emphasized the profound meaning behind his name, underscoring the importance of ancestral heritage and the cultural depth inherent in Hawaiian traditions. His decision to honor his Hawaiian name reflects a deep-seated connection to his roots and a genuine appreciation for his cultural background.
Kaʻimi Fairbairn Wife and Children
Kaʻimi Fairbairn, the accomplished kicker, tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend Rachel in the year 2020, marking a significant milestone in their relationship. Having been in a committed partnership for a substantial period, the couple made the decision to embark on their marital journey, solidifying their bond in a joyous celebration. Known for their openness and affection towards each other, the couple frequently shares glimpses of their relationship on their respective social media platforms, offering their followers insights into their shared experiences and cherished moments.
Furthermore, the couple's union has been blessed with the arrival of their newborn baby, adding a new chapter to their lives and fostering a sense of joy and fulfillment within their family. Embracing parenthood, Fairbairn and his wife, Rachel, are now navigating the joys and challenges of raising their child, fostering a loving and nurturing environment for their growing family. Their dedication to each other and their expanding family exemplifies their commitment to building a strong and supportive household, encapsulating the values of love and togetherness.
Kaʻimi Fairbairn Net Worth
Kaʻimi Fairbairn's net worth is between $1-$5 Million dollars. His primary source of income stems from his professional football career as a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). As a prominent player for the Houston Texans, Fairbairn earns his income through his contractual agreements with the team, which typically include a combination of base salary, performance bonuses, and incentives.
His earnings are determined by various factors, including his performance on the field, successful field goal attempts, extra points, and overall contributions to the team's success during the regular season and any potential postseason appearances. Additionally, Fairbairn may benefit from endorsements, sponsorships, and promotional deals with various brands and organizations seeking to align themselves with his professional image and athletic accomplishments.
Endorsement deals and partnerships with reputable companies can serve as an additional source of income for professional athletes, providing opportunities for increased financial gain and exposure beyond their regular football earnings. Fairbairn's status as a well-regarded player within the NFL likely makes him an attractive candidate for such opportunities, further diversifying his sources of income outside of his football contract.
What Happened to Texans Kicker Kaʻimi Fairbairn?
During the Week 9 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ka’imi Fairbairn, the Houston Texans' kicker, suffered a quad injury, leading to his early exit from the game at halftime. As a result, the team had to rely on running back Dare Ogunbowale for kickoffs, with no attempts at extra points or field goals so far. Fairbairn's absence was a notable setback for the Texans, particularly given his previous commendable performance, as acknowledged by the special teams coordinator Frank Ross, who lauded his kicking abilities earlier in the week.
Why don't the Texans Have a Kicker?
The absence of a kicker for the Houston Texans during the Week 9 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a result of Ka’imi Fairbairn's sidelining due to a quad injury, prompting his unavailability for the remainder of the game. In light of Fairbairn's injury, the team resorted to utilizing running back Dare Ogunbowale for kickoffs, as the Texans refrained from attempting any extra points or field goals. Fairbairn's commendable performance earlier in the week, as highlighted by special teams coordinator Frank Ross, underscored the significance of his role within the team, making his absence a notable setback for the Texans during the game.
Is Texan Kicker Kaʻimi Fairbairn Injured?
Yes, the Texan kicker, Kaʻimi Fairbairn, sustained a quad injury during the Week 9 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading to his premature exit from the game at halftime. In his absence, the team has been utilizing running back Dare Ogunbowale for kickoffs, refraining from attempting any extra points or field goals. Fairbairn's injury, confirmed by his sidelining during the game, has consequently raised concerns about his availability for future matches and the impact of his absence on the team's performance.
Kaʻimi Fairbairn Injury Update - FAQs
Kaʻimi Fairbairn's quad injury during the Week 9 game has left him sidelined for the rest of the match, raising concerns about his availability for future games and the impact of his absence on the team's performance.
Kaʻimi Fairbairn sustained a quad injury during the Week 9 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, forcing him to exit the game at halftime.
The Texans were without a kicker during the game due to Kaʻimi Fairbairn's quad injury, leading the team to rely on running back Dare Ogunbowale for kickoffs instead.
Yes, Kaʻimi Fairbairn, the Texans' kicker, suffered a quad injury during the Week 9 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, resulting in his absence for the remainder of the game.
The duration of Kaʻimi Fairbairn's absence from the game is currently uncertain, pending further updates on the extent of his quad injury and the timeline for his recovery, which will determine his return to the field for upcoming matches.