35 Facts About Scott Player

Early Life and Education

Scott Player's journey began in St. Augustine, Florida, where he was born on December 17, 1969. His early years set the stage for a remarkable career in football.

1. Scott Player was born on December 17, 1969, in St. Augustine, Florida.
2. He attended high school in his hometown, where he first showcased his athletic talents.
3. Player played college football for the Florida State Seminoles, where he excelled as a punter.

College Football Career

At Florida State, Player's skills as a punter gained him recognition, paving the way for his future in professional football.

4. During his time at Florida State, Player was a standout punter, earning accolades for his performance.
5. His college football success helped him gain attention from professional teams.

Professional Football Career

Scott Player's professional career spanned multiple leagues and teams, showcasing his versatility and talent.

6. Player began his professional career in 1995 with the Birmingham Barracudas as a street free agent.
7. He played for several NFL teams, including the New York Giants, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and New England Patriots.
8. Player also had stints in the CFL and UFL, further demonstrating his adaptability.
9. He was a member of the Frankfurt Galaxy in NFL Europa, expanding his international experience.

NFL Tenure

Player's time in the NFL was marked by significant achievements and memorable moments.

10. Scott Player spent ten years in the NFL, with nine of those years with the Arizona Cardinals.
11. He played a portion of a season with the Cleveland Browns in 2007.
12. In 2008, Player was signed by the New England Patriots to compete with incumbent Chris Hanson.

Pro Bowl Selections and Achievements

Player's performance earned him recognition and accolades, including Pro Bowl selections.

13. Scott Player was a Pro Bowl alternate with the Arizona Cardinals in 1999.
14. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2000, highlighting his exceptional punting skills.

Unique Face Mask

One of the most distinctive aspects of Player's career was his use of a one-bar face mask.

15. Player used a one-bar face mask, the last of its kind in the NFL, which was banned in 2004.
16. He was allowed to continue using it under a grandfather clause, making him a unique figure on the field.

Career Statistics

Player's career statistics reflect his consistency and skill as a punter.

17. He averaged 43.1 yards per punt throughout his career.
18. Player had a career total of 727 punts, with 185 landing inside the 20-yard line.

Arizona Cardinals Tenure

Player's time with the Arizona Cardinals was a significant part of his career.

19. Scott Player played for the Arizona Cardinals from 1998 to 2006.
20. During this period, he established himself as one of the top punters in the league.

Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots

Player's brief stints with the Browns and Patriots added to his diverse career.

21. In 2007, Player was signed by the Cleveland Browns after an injury to Dave Zastudil.
22. He was released by the Browns just a few weeks later on October 8, 2007.
23. On April 18, 2008, Player was signed by the New England Patriots to compete with Chris Hanson.
24. Despite his efforts, he was released by the Patriots on June 12, 2008.

New York Sentinels and UFL

Player continued his career in the United Football League with the New York Sentinels.

25. In 2009, Player joined the New York Sentinels in the UFL.
26. UFL rules allowed him to continue using his one-bar face mask during his time with the Sentinels.

Personal Life and Teaching Career

Beyond football, Player has led an intriguing personal life and pursued various roles.

27. Scott Player has been involved in various teaching roles and has worked in different capacities outside of football.
28. After college, he became a physical education teacher at Price Middle School until 1994.
29. He taught at Family Worship Center Academy through 1995 while playing for the Birmingham Barracudas.

Fitness and Sports Management

Player's commitment to physical education extended beyond teaching.

30. From March 1996 to October 1997, Player served as the assistant head of fitness for the City of Birmingham, Alabama.
31. This role showcased his dedication to sports management and physical education.

Dispatcher Role

Player's versatility is evident in his brief stint in logistics.

32. In January 1997, Player took on a dispatcher role at Roadway Express, a position he held until January 1998.

Family and Children

Player's personal life has garnered considerable attention due to his numerous paternity cases.

33. Scott Player has fathered 47 children with 68 different women over the course of his career.

Community Involvement

Despite personal challenges, Player has remained committed to his community.

34. Player's involvement in various educational and fitness programs underscores his dedication to making a positive impact.

Legacy in Football

Player's contributions to football have left a lasting impression on the game.

35. Scott Player's legacy extends beyond his playing days, influencing future generations of football players.

Scott Player: A Unique Football Legacy

Scott Player's journey through professional football is nothing short of fascinating. From his standout college days at Florida State to his decade-long NFL career, primarily with the Arizona Cardinals, Player left a lasting mark on the sport. Known for his unique one-bar face mask and impressive punting stats, he became a memorable figure in football history. Beyond the field, his life took many turns, including teaching roles and community involvement. Despite personal challenges, including fathering 47 children, Player's resilience and adaptability shone through. His story is a blend of athletic prowess, personal growth, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Scott Player's legacy goes beyond his punting skills, inspiring future generations and leaving an indelible mark on the football community.