Erxleben Is Called Back, Signed by Rams

Six years ago, Russell Erxleben became only the third kicker to be drafted in the first round by a National Football League team. Ray Guy of the Raiders and Steve Little, formerly of the St. Louis Cardinals, preceded him.

But on Wednesday Erxleben said: “I’ll probably be the last.”

Lack of security is a kicker’s lot, a fact Erxleben accepted when the Rams signed him to a one-year contract this week, with no guarantees. He’ll have to beat out the incumbent, John Misko, next summer.

“All I want is a chance,” Erxleben said by phone from his real estate office in Houston.

He felt he was treated less than fairly in New Orleans last summer when Coach Bum Phillips waited until the final cut to say that the Saints were going to use rookie Brian Hansen, a ninth-round draft choice from Sioux Falls College.

That left Erxleben, 28, to scramble around for another punting job, which didn’t materialize. He talked to or tried out with several other clubs, among them the Rams, and late in the season was summoned back by the Rams when Misko went into a slump.

Erxleben thought they would sign him then.

“I figured I was brought out there for a reason, but I guess Coach (John) Robinson wasn’t ready to make a move,” he said.

“I brought everything I had out there. My wife was coming out. I was set to stay through Christmas. I don’t fault the Rams. I guess I just expected more.

“But I learned a valuable thing--that Coach Robinson is loyal to his players. He just didn’t feel like pulling the rug out from under anybody. I’d been on the other end of loyalty in New Orleans.”

Misko’s third season with the Rams was his worst. He averaged 38.7 yards on 74 punts, tying for 26th in the league. His net average--kick yardage minus returns--was somewhat better, however, at 33.6, 21st in the league.

Erxleben was chosen by the Saints in the first round of the 1979 draft from the University of Texas.