Professional career
Indianapolis Colts
He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2005 NFL Draft, and served as the kickoff specialist for the Colts. Rayner was released by the Colts on April 3, 2006.
Green Bay Packers
Rayner was then signed by the Green Bay Packers on April 6, 2006. After Billy Cundiff was released, Rayner became the Packers' full-time kicker for the 2006 season.
It has been noted that Rayner has one of the stronger legs amongst NFL placekickers. During the 2006 season, he kicked a 54-yard field goal against the Philadelphia Eagles, tying the longest field goal in Packers' history (Ryan Longwell and Chris Jacke also have made 54-yard field goals). He also made a 55-yard field goal two weeks later against the Miami Dolphins; however, it was called back due to a defensive penalty that occurred before the snap, nullifying the play.
On September 1, 2007, the Packers released him in favor of highly-touted rookie Mason Crosby.
Kansas City Chiefs
Nine days later, Rayner was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs to replace struggling rookie kicker Justin Medlock. After beginning the 2007 season with 13 field goals made in his first 16 attempts, he was released on November 26 after missing a fourth quarter attempt against rival Oakland. Rayner's inability to consistently make short field goals, with three misses from under 40 yards, was the primary reason for his departure from the Chiefs. He was replaced by veteran kicker John Carney.
San Diego Chargers
After being released from the Chiefs, Rayner signed a contract with the San Diego Chargers after full-time kicker Nate Kaeding was injured while making a tackle on a kickoff. With the Chargers, Rayner served as the kickoff specialist for the last two games of the regular season as well as the 2007-2008 playoffs.
Miami Dolphins
On March 11, 2008, Rayner was signed by the Miami Dolphins. However, he was released on June 6 before training camp.
Detroit Lions
Rayner was signed by the Detroit Lions on August 9, 2008 after the team waived punter Eddie Johnson to perform kicking duties during some pre-season games while kicker Jason Hanson was nursing an injury. He was once again released on August 26, 2008, as Hanson had recovered from his injury. He was 6 for 7 with the Lions during the pre-season.
Cincinnati Bengals
Rayner was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals on October 11 while placekicker Shayne Graham nursed a groin injury. The team waived fullback Reagan Mauia to make room for Rayner. The Bengals released Rayner on October 21, as Graham had recovered from his groin injury. Rayner was 1-for-1 on field goals and 2-for-2 during his stint with Cincinnati.
Washington Commanders
Rayner was signed by the Washington Commanders on February 3, 2009. He was released on September 5, 2009.
