Kern considers being released 'blessing'

Tennessee Titans punter Brett Kern didn't understand why the Denver Broncos let him go six weeks into the 2009 season.

He said he doesn't even remember exactly why he was dumped on the waiver wire. But looking back on it, as the Broncos come to visit the Tennessee Titans Sunday, he is glad it happened.

“I'm just thankful and blessed to be down here and playing for the Titans. It's a blessing. It was a blessing actually for them to cut me, because my family and I love it down here, playing for the Titans, playing for the city,” Kern said. “I still miss some people back in Denver, but it's just a lot better down here.”

Kern had the unique twist of being let go by the Broncos, who started 6-0 last year, then began a slide after he was waived. He came to a Titans team that stumbled to an 0-6 start, and then ripped off five straight wins after Kern was claimed off waivers. So that meant Kern started last year 11-0.

“I don't understand the reasoning why they let me go. But I understand this is where God wants me. This is where He wants me and my family, and that's good enough for me,” he said.

He said he probably will say hello to Broncos coach Josh McDaniel on Sunday, but he said he doesn't even recall what was said to him when he was cut.

“I honestly don't even remember what he said. I don't even really care that much,” Kern said.

Kern, who spent a year and a half as a Bronco, is averaging 47 yards per punt, better than the 45.1 he finished with last year after joining the Titans. He is even surpassed thus far his average in Denver's thin air, where he averaged 46.1 in six games..