40 Facts About Tress Way

Early Life and College Career

Tress Way's journey to NFL stardom began in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he developed his skills and passion for football. His college years at the University of Oklahoma further honed his abilities, setting the stage for his professional career.

1. 01Early Life and Education: Tress Way was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and graduated from Tulsa's Union High School in 2008.
2. 02College Career: Way attended the University of Oklahoma, where he played for the Oklahoma Sooners football team. He redshirted his freshman season and then played in 53 games from 2009 to 2012.
3. 03Switch from Kicker to Punter: Initially, Way attempted to play as a kicker but found more success as a punter. He switched roles after an unsuccessful stint at kicker.
4. 04College Statistics: During his college career, Way averaged 44.0 yards per punt with a career-long of 85 yards. He completed 250 punts, with 91 going inside the 20-yard line, 71 for 50 or more yards, and 36 as touchbacks.
5. 05College Degree: Way graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies in December 2012.

Professional Career Beginnings

Way's professional journey started with the Chicago Bears, but it was with the Washington Commanders that he truly made his mark.

6. 06Professional Career: Way was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent on April 28, 2013. However, he was waived on August 25, 2013, and re-signed but eventually waived again on August 18, 2014.
7. 07Washington Redskins/Commanders: The Washington Redskins claimed Way off waivers on August 20, 2014. He became their starting punter for the 2014 season after the release of Robert Malone.
8. 08Rookie Season: In his rookie season with the Redskins, Way led the NFL in gross punting average with 47.5 yards. He finished with 77 punts and an average of 47.52 yards per punt.

Rising Star and Leadership

Way quickly established himself as a leader on the team, earning accolades and recognition for his performance.

9. 09Special Teams Captain: At the start of the 2015 season, Way was voted as the team's special teams captain. He finished the season with 70 punts for a 46.6 average.
10. 10Contract Extensions: On March 12, 2016, the Redskins signed Way to a five-year contract extension. He continued to excel, finishing the 2016 season with 49 punts for a 45.08 average.
11. 11Consistency and Excellence: Way has consistently been one of the top punters in the NFL. In the 2017 season, he finished with 83 punts for a 45.7 average, showcasing his reliability and skill.

Awards and Recognition

Way's talent and hard work have not gone unnoticed, earning him several awards and honors throughout his career.

12. 12Awards and Recognition: In Week 10 of the 2018 season, Way was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after downing four punts inside the 20-yard line in a 16–3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
13. 13Pro Bowl Selection: For his outstanding performance in the 2019 season, Way was voted to the 2020 Pro Bowl. He was also named second-team All-Pro that year.
14. 14Contract Extension: On December 27, 2019, Way signed a four-year, $15 million contract extension with the Redskins, solidifying his position with the team.
15. 15Career Highs: In the 2019 season, Way led the NFL in yards per punt and recorded the longest punt of the season with a 79-yarder. He finished with 79 punts for a 49.61 average.
16. 16NFC Special Teams Player of the Week (2020): In Week 11 of the 2020 season against the Cincinnati Bengals, Way punted five times with a gross average of 50.4 yards while landing three inside the 20-yard line. He was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for this performance.
17. 17Pro Bowl Selection (2023): Way was voted into the 2023 Pro Bowl, a testament to his continued excellence in the league.
18. 18Special Teams Player of the Month (2022): In October 2022, Way was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month, further highlighting his consistent performance throughout the season.

Personal and Team Milestones

Way's dedication to his team and personal achievements have made him a standout player in the NFL.

19. 19Uniform Number Change: In a move that symbolized his dedication to the team, Way gave up his uniform number 5 to quarterback Jayden Daniels after the team selected Daniels second overall in the 2024 NFL draft. Way had worn the number since joining the team in 2014.
20. 20Franchise Leader in Punting Yards: By the end of the 2024 season, Way became Washington's franchise leader in punting yards, a remarkable achievement that underscores his longevity and impact on the team.
21. 21Height and Weight: Tress Way stands at 6 feet 0 inches (1.84 meters) and weighs 215 pounds (98 kilograms).
22. 22College Football Experience: Way played in 53 games for the Oklahoma Sooners from 2009 to 2012, showcasing his endurance and ability to perform under pressure.
23. 23Punting Statistics: Throughout his career, Way has averaged 46.9 yards per punt with a career-long of 79 yards. He has recorded 776 punts in his career, with 296 of them going inside the 20-yard line.
24. 24Net Punting Average: Way's net punting average is 42.6 yards, indicating his ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory and limit their field position.
25. 25Touchbacks and Inside 20-Yard Line Punts: Way has been successful in placing punts inside the 20-yard line, with 296 such punts in his career. This skill has been crucial in helping his team maintain defensive field position.
26. 26Career Long Punt: The longest punt of Way's career was a 79-yarder, which he achieved in the 2019 season. This feat not only showcases his leg strength but also highlights his ability to make game-changing plays.

NFL Career and Beyond

Way's career in the NFL has been marked by impressive statistics and a strong presence on the field.

27. 27Pro Day Measurements: At Pro Day, Way measured 6 feet 0 inches (1.84 meters) tall and weighed 215 pounds (98 kilograms).
28. 28NFL Career Statistics: In his regular season career, Way has played in 179 games, recording 776 punts with an average of 46.9 yards per punt. He has also led the league in gross punting average multiple times.
29. 29Postseason Performance: In the postseason, Way has appeared in two games, recording 10 punts with an average of 47.2 yards per punt. His performance in the playoffs has been consistent, contributing to his team's success.
30. 30Kicking Statistics: Despite being a punter, Way has attempted no field goals in his NFL career. This reflects his specialization in punting and the team's reliance on him for this specific skill.
31. 31Defense and Passing Statistics: Way has been involved in defensive and passing plays but has no recorded statistics in these categories. His primary role remains as a punter, where he excels.
32. 32Rushing Statistics: Way has attempted two rushes in his NFL career, both resulting in zero yards. This minimal involvement in rushing underscores his focus on punting.

Community Involvement and Legacy

Beyond his football career, Way is known for his contributions to the community and his lasting impact on the sport.

33. 33Community Involvement: Beyond his football career, Way is known for his community involvement. He has participated in various charity events and has been recognized for his philanthropic work.
34. 34Trivia Game Host: In 2023, Way entertained fans with a trivia game, showcasing his lighter side and engaging with the community.
35. 35Team Performance: The Washington Commanders, under Way's punting, have consistently performed well. In the 2023 season, they finished with a 12-5 record, highlighting the team's overall strength.
36. 36Division Standings: The Commanders' division standings have been impressive, with the Philadelphia Eagles leading at 14-3 and the Washington Commanders following closely at 12-5.
37. 37Opponent Performance: The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants have had contrasting seasons. The Cowboys finished with a 7-10 record, while the Giants ended with a 3-14 record.
38. 38College of the Canyons Philosophy: The College of the Canyons, where Way might have drawn inspiration from its values, emphasizes teaching and learning, respect for all people, partnership with the community, excellence, creativity, and innovation.
39. 39College of the Canyons Vision Statement: The college aims to enhance its reputation as a leading two-year college recognized locally, regionally, and statewide for technical advancement, institutional effectiveness, student support, model academic and professional programs, excellence in teaching and learning, and community involvement.
40. 40Legacy and Impact: Tress Way's legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics. He has become an integral part of the Washington Commanders' culture and has inspired younger players with his dedication and perseverance. His impact on the team and the NFL is undeniable, making him one of the most respected punters in the league.

Tress Way's Lasting Impact

Tress Way's journey from Tulsa to becoming a standout punter for the Washington Commanders is nothing short of inspiring. His switch from kicker to punter in college set the stage for a career marked by consistency and excellence. Leading the NFL in gross punting average during his rookie season and earning multiple Pro Bowl selections, Way has proven his worth time and again. His dedication to the team is evident, from giving up his jersey number to becoming Washington's franchise leader in punting yards. Off the field, his community involvement and lighter side, like hosting trivia games, make him a beloved figure. Tress Way's legacy isn't just about stats; it's about his impact on the team and the community. His story is a testament to hard work, talent, and the importance of finding one's true calling.