Kern ‘Extremely Thankful’ for Opportunity with Philadelphia

Brett Kern had no thought the place he would find yourself after the Tennessee Titans launched him on the finish of the preseason.

The three-time Professional Bowl punter was certain, nevertheless, that he was not headed for retirement.

“In my thoughts, I knew I used to be going to kick once more,” Kern stated this week after he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, in response to the group’s web site. “I simply did not know the place or when, however I knew I nonetheless wished to maintain enjoying. So mentally, I stayed prepared, bodily stayed prepared, only for no matter alternative got here, and I am extraordinarily grateful for this one.”

Kern didn’t be part of the 12-1 Eagles, the primary group to clinch a playoff berth this season, in Week 14 just because he was being picky.

The first cause he spent a lot time and not using a job was that he didn’t precisely have a variety of decisions. Philadelphia lastly got here calling when its second-year punter Aaryn Siposs was injured final Sunday in a victory over the New York Giants. Siposs was positioned on injured reserve this week, which successfully assures Kern could have a job so long as his new group retains enjoying.

He’ll make his debut for Philadelphia, his third NFL group, on Sunday in opposition to the Chicago Bears. It will likely be the 220th recreation of his profession, nineteenth amongst all NFL punters in the course of the Tremendous Bowl period.

“This 12 months’s been actually distinctive as a result of the one punting change that’s occurred has been New England,” Kern stated by way of NBC Sports activities Philadelphia. “It’s been fairly quiet the remainder of the 12 months.”

After the lengthy wait, he didn’t hesitate as soon as this chance arose.

“I acquired residence from church, my agent referred to as me, couldn’t actually imagine it,” Kern stated. “Noticed what occurred, began packing my baggage and now I’m right here.”

Kern stated he “performed a variety of golf” throughout his time away from the sport. He stayed ready with exercises a couple of times per week at Lipscomb Academy, a personal highschool in Nashville.

And with Philadelphia, he didn’t really feel like a whole stranger as soon as he arrived. The Eagles, after all, embrace former Titans vast receiver A.J. Brown. Plus, a number of members of Philadelphia’s employees, together with tight ends coach Jason Michael and senior athletic coach Jerome Reid frolicked with Tennessee throughout Kern’s 12-plus seasons with the Titans. He additionally famous that he’s acquainted with kicker Jake Elliott and snapper Rick Lovato.

“The choice to come back right here was a no brainer, clearly, due to the season (the Eagles) are having, but in addition familiarity with lots of people on the employees and a few gamers,” Kern stated. “It is nice to come back someplace when you already know faces, you are form of accustomed to folks. It makes it slightly bit simpler. … So, it’s an incredible alternative and this was one of the best match.”

“… When you get on the soccer subject, you simply form of return to what you’ve got completed for a very long time.”