Kevin Huber is Making Progress

Nov 17, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals punter Kevin Huber (10) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati won 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals punter Kevin Huber had a lot taken from him after suffering a broken jaw and a fractured cervical vertebrae after a violent hit against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the first of which was the remainder of his season. Huber missed the final two games of the regular season and Cincinnati’s playoff loss to the San Diego Chargers. He also lost the ability to eat solid foods, as his jaw had to be wired shut. One thing he never lost was his sense of humor. He notoriously posted some quite funny pictures of himself in the hospital after the incident poking fun at his injuries.

Now, Huber is ready to show that it didn’t take away his ability to be an NFL punter as well. Out of his neck brace, and seemingly healthy again, he appears ready to resume his career. He says he has a few restrictions remaining, but has resumed some kicking, and plans to participate in offseason workouts. He also gained back the 15 pounds he lost while he was unable to eat solid foods. He’s anxious to get back on the field.

Huber has been fantastic for the Bengals since his selection in the 2009 NFL Draft. In 2013, he was middle of the road in average yards per punt, but was in the top ten in net yardage per punt. He’s also not afraid to stick his head in and make a tackle to try and save a touchdown, though that’s what got him hurt to begin with. His injury is unlikely to change the way he plays, though. As he told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com, “I don’t have very many tackles in my stat book, but I’ll still try.” Love of his job is something else he didn’t lose.