The Facts: In 2005, Rackers enjoyed one of the finest seasons by a kicker in NFL history, making 40 of 42 field-goal tries. After last season ended, he tried to come up with reasons for the decline in 2006. One difference, he realized, was that he was carrying more weight. So on Jan. 4, he hired a personal trainer, Kevin Kondo-Turner at Tthe Core Facility in Scottsdale. "I had an extra 5 to 7 pounds and didn't feel quite as good physically," Rackers said. "I figured it was time to go to work."
Diehards Line:According to Republic staffer Kent Somers, Rackers worked with Kondo-Turner for three months, dropped weight and improved his muscle tone. Somers added: "It's hard to imagine there is an NFL kicker in better shape. ..."