The rare left-footed specialist who became a franchise record holder
In short: In the highly specialized world of the NFL, Tress Way stands out not just for his elite precision, but for a physical rarity: he is a left-footed punter. From an undrafted free agent to a multi-time Pro Bowler, his journey defines the grit of professional special teams.
Tressler William Way’s path to NFL stardom was anything but direct. After graduating from Tulsa's Union High School in 2008 and attending the University of Oklahoma, he transitioned from a kicker to a punter. He entered the professional ranks as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Chicago Bears on April 28, 2013, though his initial tenure there was brief. He earned his degree in interdisciplinary studies in 2012. This followed a redshirt season during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners.
Way found his footing with the Washington franchise, joining them via waivers on August 20, 2014. He made an instant impression; during his debut year, he topped the NFL in gross punting average at 47.5 yards. This performance set the stage for a decade of dominance. By the end of the 2024 season, Way had ascended to become the franchise's all-time leader in punting yards. His impact was immediate, as he was named a special teams captain at the start of 2015. He also secured second-team All-Pro honours in 2019.
His accolades reflect a player at the peak of his craft. Way has been voted to multiple Pro Bowls, including the 2020, 2023, and 2026 editions. His individual brilliance has been recognized frequently through NFC Special Teams Player of the Week awards, earned across various seasons including 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023, and 2024. Even late in his career, his versatility was on display, such as when he completed a 23-yard pass on a fake punt during the 2024 NFC Championship Game. His longevity is evidenced by his recent contract extension in early 2025. He has since announced his intention to retire after the 2026 season.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Tress Way
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