From soccer in the Netherlands to the NFL's high-stakes punting specialists
In short: Born in Belgium to a professional basketball player, Corliss Waitman’s journey to the NFL was anything but linear. After switching from soccer to football in high school and navigating complex eligibility rulings, he has become a journeyman specialist, proving that in professional football, every yard and every specialist matters.
Corliss Waitman's path to the National Football League is a testament to the nomadic nature of professional sports. Born on 21 July 1995, Waitman spent his childhood in the Netherlands before moving to the United States at age 15 to join his father, José Waitman, a professional basketball player. This international upbringing preceded a significant athletic pivot: switching from soccer to football during his high school years.
His collegiate career was marked by both progress and administrative hurdles. After playing for the South Alabama Jaguars from 2014 to 2018, he transferred to Mississippi State University in February 2019. However, the NCAA denied him an extra year of eligibility, preventing him from playing during the 2019 season. Despite this setback, his talent eventually led to professional opportunities, beginning as an undrated free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers in April 2020.
Since then, Waitman has gained extensive NFL experience, playing for the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Las Vegas Raiders. His career has been defined by moments of sudden necessity, such as his December 2021 debut for the Steelers when he was called upon to cover for a teammate on bereavement leave. By 2024, his efficiency was evident, averaging 46.4 yards per punt and recording a 71-yard long against the Baltimore Ravens. Now with the San Francisco 49ers, Waitman continues to navigate the competitive landscape of professional special teams.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Corliss Waitman
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