Mark Davis releases statement on Sebastian Janikowski ‘as the sun sets’ on his Raiders career

Thursday it was reported the Raiders would not be re-signing longtime kicker Sebastian Janikowski. In light of this, Raiders owner Mark Davis has released a statement, making Janikowski’s departure official.

“The Raider Nation salutes Sebastian Janikowski as the sun sets on his illustrious career with the Oakland Raiders,” said Davis. “He joined the team as a surprise first-round pick in the 2000 Draft and finishes his time in Oakland as one of the greatest or perhaps the greatest kicker in pro football history. His powerful left leg produced an NFL-record 55 field goals of 50-or-more yards. The motto ‘Once a Raider, Always a Raider’ has never been more true as his 18-year career makes him the longest-tenured player in Raiders history. Sebastian, his wife, Lori, and their three children will always be a loved and treasured part of the Raiders family.”

Sebastian Janikowski aka ‘Seabass’ aka ‘The Polish Cannon’ spent 18 years with the Raiders, playing 17 full seasons before a back injury landed him on injured reserve last season. He leaves the Raiders with a great many team records as well as a few pretty impressive NFL records. At the age of 40 he plans to keep on playing.