Tag: punter

Former Chiefs starter shares emotional reflection on tenure in Kansas City

Former #Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend penned an emotional reflection on his time in Kansas City in a post to his Instagram account. | @EdEastonJr

The start of the new football year includes old faces in new places as the offseason decisions become a reality for the Kansas City Chiefs and the other 31 teams in the league.

Tommy Townsend signed a two-year, $6 million deal with the Houston Texans during the offseason, leaving the Chiefs after four seasons. In a recent Instagram post, he shared one last goodbye to Kansas City’s fans and the Chiefs organization.

“Going into this NFL season, I can’t help but look back on these past few years I have been fortunate enough to experience in Kansas City,” Townsend said in his statement. “I couldn’t have been surrounded by better coaches, staff, teammates, and fans to start my career, and I’m happy I was able to end my stint in Kansas City on such a high note. A 1st team All-Pro, a Pro Bowl selection, a few franchise records, and winning back-to-back Super Bowl Championships is almost beyond belief. On top of that, some lifelong friendships and an endless amount of memories.”

Townsend’s best year was 2022, when he earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors in September and AFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 15. He also ended the year as a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro with 53 punts for 2,672 net yards and a 50.42 average, while the Chiefs went on to win their first of two consecutive titles in Super Bowl LVII.

https://www.instagram.com/tommy_townsend/p/C-G6CjrsAE_/?img_index=1

“Thank you to the Chiefs organization as a whole for these past 4 years.” Townsend’s statement continued. “My time in KC may have been short, but I am forever a Chief. Eyes on the future… #chiefskingdom”

Townsend and the Texans opened the preseason against the Chicago Bears last night during the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.

Countdown to Kickoff: Matthew Hayball is Saints Player of Day 43

Our Saints player of the day is Australian native Matthew Hayball. The former Vanderbilt punter is ready to make a name for himself:

Our countdown to kickoff for the New Orleans Saints continues with Day 43! Today’s Saints player of the day is punter Matthew Hayball. Let’s get to know the rookie.

  • Name (Age): Matthew Hayball (27)
  • Position: Punter
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-0, 189 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: N/A
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $798,333
  • College: Vanderbilt
  • Drafted: Undrafted in 2023 (New Orleans Saints)
  • NFL experience: 1st year

The Saints continued their trend of Australian punters when they signed Hayball to the team. He joins Australian punter Lou Hedley who the team signed last year. It’s worth noting that Hayball’s contract included $35,000 in guarantees whereas Hedley was guaranteed just $10,000 last offseason.

He played three years at Flordia Atlantic before transferring to Vanderbilt. In his final year at Vanderbilt, he punted the ball 57 times for 2,713 yards. With a 47.6 average distance, he ranked in the top-ten in college football for yards per attempt.

Hayball is looking to compete with Hedley for the starting job. He has a real shot at taking that position, as Hedley struggled last season. As we mentioned, Hayball can boot the football, and this is something that Hedley struggles to do, as his 43-yard average ranked 37th in the NFL. Hedley has worked to improve but Hayball is going to push him, and he might just push past him.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Broncos roster series: No. 47, punter Trenton Gill

Broncos punter Trenton Gill is set to compete with incumbent Riley Dixon this summer.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at third-year punter Grenton Gill, No. 47.

Before the Broncos: Gill (6-4, 219 pounds) was picked by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft out of NC State. He handled punting duties in each of the last two seasons in Chicago, averaging 46.1 yards per boot. He had 38 punts downed inside the 20-yard line, 11 punts go for touchbacks and one punt blocked. His net yards per punt average with the Bears was 38.5. His career long is 76 yards. Chicago cut Gill in May after they used a fourth-round pick to draft punter Tory Taylor.

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Gill this spring to provide competition for incumbent punter Riley Dixon. He’s set to earn $985,000 in 2024.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Toss up. Gill (25) is younger and cheaper than Dixon (30; $1,735,000), which might help his chances in the competition. Dixon averaged 46.3 yards per punt last season with a net average of 41.5. His career long is 71 yards. If the two punters post similar numbers this summer, the Broncos might go with the cheaper option.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos roster series: No. 9, punter Riley Dixon

Riley Dixon will have to fend off Trenton Gill if he wants to remain the Broncos’ punter in 2024.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at ninth-year punter Riley Dixon, No. 9 (he wore No. 19 last summer).

Before the Broncos: Dixon (6-4, 221 pounds) actually began his pro career in Denver after being picked by the Broncos in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL draft out of Syracuse. He spent the first two years of his career in Denver before being traded to the New York Giants in 2018 in exchange for a late-round draft pick. 

Dixon averaged 45.2 yards per punt in four seasons with the Giants with a long of 71 yards. He then spent one season with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, averaging 48.4 yards per boot with a long of 67 yards.

Broncos tenure: Dixon returned to Denver last spring, signing a two-year contract. Last season, Dixon averaged 46.3 yards per punt with a long of 68 yards. He also served as the team’s holder for field goals. 

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Toss up. The Broncos brought in Trenton Gill this spring to compete with Dixon during training camp. Gill is younger and cheaper, so Dixon won’t be a lock to make the team. Denver’s punter job appears to be up for grabs going into the summer. 

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Chiefs release P Ryan Rehkow after mandatory minicamp

Kansas City #Chiefs release P Ryan Rehkow after mandatory minicamp | @EdEastonJr

With mandatory minicamp in the rearview, the Kansas City Chiefs have decided to part ways with one of their undrafted free agents. Former BYU punter Ryan Rehkow was announced as the lone release on Thursday via the team’s transactions tracker.

The release of Rehkow was accompanied by the signing of defensive tackle Alex Gubner with training camp quickly approaching next month. Gubner, another undrafted free agent from this year’s class, earned Big Sky Defensive MVP honors last season, tallying 45 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks at Montana. He impressed during tryouts at minicamp, prompting the front office to add him to the 90-man roster.

Rehkow was a former Big 12 Punter of the Year known for having a big leg throughout his college career. He recorded a 42 percent inside-20 rate in his four seasons at BYU. In his last season, he had 68 punts, nine of which went as far as 60 yards.

The move opens the door for veteran Matt Araiza, the only punter on the roster. An All-American in college and winner of the Ray Guy Award as the nation’s best collegiate punter in 2021, he was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2022.

Trenton Gill to compete with Riley Dixon for Broncos’ punter job

Trenton Gill (25) is younger and cheaper than Riley Dixon (30). They will compete for the Broncos’ punter job this summer.

Going into the second week of organized team activities, the Denver Broncos have one kicker (Wil Lutz) and one long snapper (Mitchell Fraboni) on the 90-man offseason roster.

The other specialist position — punter — has two players (Riley Dixon and Trenton Gill), perhaps a sign that Denver plans to have a true punter competition this summer.

The Broncos signed Gill (25) on May 15. After playing college football at NC State, Gill was picked by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft. Gill started all 34 games for the Bears over the last two seasons, averaging 46.1 yards per punt with a long of 76 yards. Chicago cut Gill this spring after they used a fourth-round pick to select punter Tory Taylor in the NFL draft.

Gill will have a salary cap hit of $985,000 this season, according to OverTheCap.com. His competition, Dixon, is older (30) and more expensive ($1.735 million). If the two punters turn in similar performances this summer, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Denver go with the younger, cheaper option.

Dixon averaged 46.3 yards per punt last year with a long of 68 yards. His career average is 45.8 yards and his career long is 71 yards.

While fans closely follow the Broncos’ quarterback competition at training camp, a key special teams battle will be happening simultaneously. May the best leg win.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Billy Van Heusen was the best player to wear No. 42 for the Broncos

Billy Van Heusen caught and rushed for TDs during his nine-year career with the Broncos, and he ranks second in punt yards.

Billy Van Heusen was the best player to ever wear jersey No. 42 for the Denver Broncos.

After playing college football at Maryland, Van Heusen joined the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 1968. He went on to have a nine-year career in Denver playing as a wide receiver and punter.

Van Heusen was an incredibly versatile player, hauling in 82 receptions for 1,684 yards and 11 touchdowns while also adding 13 carries for 171 yards and one touchdown in his career. He also threw for 71 yards and led the NFL with 3,732 punt yards in 1970.

Van Heusen’s 23,936 career punt yards rank No. 2 in franchise history, only trailing Tom Rouen (28,146 yards). Rouen played in 43 more games than Van Heusen and he had 67 more punts.

Van Heusen’s longest punt of 78 yards ranks second in franchise history behind Chris Norman (83 yards). He was one of the best punters in Denver’s history, and a versatile weapon on offense as well.

Shout out to Billy Van Heusen, the best player to ever wear jersey No. 42 for the Broncos.

Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Who was the best Bronco to ever wear No. 16?

Jake Plummer has the second-best QB win percentage (.722) in Broncos history, but Tom Rouen won two Super Bowls. Who’s the best No. 16?

Who was the best player to ever wear No. 16 for the Denver Broncos?

There are two obvious candidates and — depending on who you ask — perhaps an obvious answer as well.

Jake Plummer played quarterback for the Broncos from 2003-2006. Denver reached the playoffs in all three seasons that Plummer started a full year, including a trip to the AFC Championship game in 2005.

Before Peyton Manning arrived, Plummer had the best winning percentage (.722) among quarterbacks in franchise history, and he ranks among the best QBs the Broncos have ever had.

Tom Rouen played punter in Denver from 1993-2002. He won two Super Bowls with the Broncos, but some fans argue that any punter could have been along for the ride when Denver dominated the NFL in the late 1990s. Rouen wasn’t just any punter, though.

Rouen’s long of 76 yards ranks third in franchise history and his 182 punts downed inside the 20-yard line rank No. 1 in Broncos history. He was also the longest-tenured punter in franchise history, and that counts for something. Rouen totaled 28,146 punt yards in Denver, most in team history.

Rouen earned second-team All-Pro recognition in 1994. Plummer earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2005.

Both were talented players at their respective positions. Rouen won multiple Super Bowls, but Plummer played a more prestigious position. So, who was the best Bronco to ever wear No. 16? You decide:

Saints brought in another Australian punter to compete with Lou Hedley

The Saints are committed to the Aussie punting style. They signed Australian punter Matthew Hayball to compete with Lou Hedley:

The New Orleans Saints are zigging when the rest of the NFL is zagging, at least on special teams. They’re committed to making the Australian style of punting work in the NFL. After signing and starting former Miami punter Lou Hedley (a Mandurah, Australia native) last year, they’ve brought in Vanderbilt punter Matthew Hayball (from Geelong, Australia) to compete with him.

There are some pretty significant differences between the two despite their shared nationality; Hedley is from a smaller town on Australia’s west coast, while Hayball comes from the more populous southern coast 36 hours’ drive away. Hedley is three years Hayball’s senior, too. And as far as their performance on the football field goals, Hayball punts with his left leg, while Hedley uses his right.

What about their performance? Last season, Hedley was criticized for averaging the fewest yards per punt (43.0) and shortest hang time (4.04 seconds) in the NFL. Hayball averaged 47 yards per punt but just 3.88 seconds at Vanderbilt. While he’s been working on increasing his hang time — anything over 4.3 seconds is good, by NFL standards — what matters most is how he’s performed in games. And Hayball will get opportunities to test that training.

But accuracy matters, too. Hedley placed 41.3% of his punts inside the opposing 20-yard line, and only 5.3% of his punts resulted in a touchback. That’s top-10 in each category. Bu just 32% of his punts were fair catches, which was right in line with the league average.

Here’s how Hayball compared at Vanderbilt in 2023: 44.1% of his punts landed inside the 20, 6.7% were touchbacks, and 23.7% were fairly caught. He gave the opposing team more return opportunities, which is probably explained by that poor hangtime.

If Hayball can work on that and continue to work from greater range than Hedley while remaining accurate in his placement, he just might win this job. It says a lot that the Saints guaranteed $35,000 of his contract compared to just $10,000 in the deal Hedley signed last offseason. But the Saints are making a risky gamble with this Aussie style of punting. They’re betting that their coverage unit can get downfield in a shorter time than other teams around the league and limit return opportunities, even if it comes at a sacrifice of yards per punt. That thin margin for error didn’t hurt them too often last year. Let’s see if it pays off again in 2024.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Texans expected to sign ex-Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend

The Houston Texans have a new punter in Tommy Townsend after Cameron Johnston left for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Houston Texans found their new punter.

After Cameron Johnston left for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston agreed to a deal with former Kansas City Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Townsend’s deal is for two years, $6 million.

Townsend finished the 2023 season with the 17th-most yards per punt this past season with 47.1 and 33.9% of his punts were inside the 20. He made the Pro Bowl in 2022 after his punts averaged 50.4 yards per attempt.