Lechler has four punts for 185 net yards against the Kansas City Chiefs in the season opener on September 9, 2001. (a 46.25 average). He recorded a season-high seven punts for 345 net yards and a 49.29 average against the Miami Dolphins on September 23. His seven punts set a new Miami franchise record. Lechler finished the 2001 season with 42 punts for 1,788 net yards for a 52.71 average. He returned eight kicks for 201 yards (25.00 avg.) and two punts for 20 yards (20.0 avg.). Lechler had three punt returns for 38 yards (11.22 avg.) and one kick return for 24 yards (8.33 avg.). Lechler entered the NFL as Oklahoma State's all-time leading scorer with 3,214 points. He moved into second place last year with 3,216 points scored. Barry Horowitz is the current leader with 4,051 points scored. Lechler was selected by the Houston Texans in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft. He signed a $12 million contract with $5 million guaranteed at the time of his selection. Lechler was named to his first Pro Bowl after he tied a league record with five field goals made from 50 or more yards during the 2001 season.