After being cut by the Tennessee Titans prior to the 2022 season, punter Brett Kern was patiently waiting for the right opportunity to come along, as he wasn’t ready to retire just yet.
Buy Titans TicketsAfter an injury to punter Arryn Siposs, the Philadelphia Eagles came calling and signed Kern to the practice squad. They have since elevated him for Week 15, which means the veteran will make his Eagles debut on Sunday.
It was a bit odd to see one of the league’s best punters over the last decade-plus not get a job right away, but that was for good reason.
“This year’s been really unique because the only punting change that’s happened has been New England,” Kern said, per Reuben Frank of NBC Sports. “It’s been pretty quiet the rest of the year.”
Kern says retirement wasn’t an option for him and he knew he’d kick again, which led to him staying ready throughout the year.
“In my mind, I knew I was going to kick again,” Kern said, according Sage Hurley of the team’s website. “I just didn’t know where or when, but I knew I still wanted to keep playing. So mentally, I stayed ready, physically stayed ready, just for whatever opportunity came, and I’m extremely thankful for this one.”
The decision to sign with the Eagles was a no-brainer for Kern for multiple reasons. For starters, Philly gives the veteran punter a chance to win his first Super Bowl, but he also noted familiarity with the staff helped.
“The decision to come here was a no-brainer, obviously, because of the season [the Eagles] are having, but also familiarity with a lot of people on the staff and some players,” Kern said. “It’s great to come somewhere when you know faces, you’re kind of familiar with people. It makes it a little bit easier… So, it’s a great opportunity and this was the best fit.”
Of course, Kern will be joining his former teammate, A.J. Brown, who was traded to the Eagles during the 2022 NFL draft.
“When I found out that A.J. got traded here, I was genuinely sad because he’s a great teammate and he’s a good friend. I had a lot of conversations with him in the locker room, joking around,” Kern said. “To be able to come here and know that A.J. was here — I saw him this morning, gave him a big old hug, and caught up for a little bit.”
If there’s anything that can soften the blow of Titans fans potentially having to watch A.J. Brown win a Super Bowl this year, it’s seeing Kern raise the Lombardi Trophy, also. We hope he gets his chance.
