Thomas Morstead
refer to caption
Morstead in 2010
No. 5 – New York Jets
Position:Punter
Personal information
Born: (1986-03-08) March 8, 1986
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High school:Pearland (Pearland, Texas)
College:SMU (2004–2008)
NFL Draft:2009 / Round: 5 / Pick: 164
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2023
Punts:897
Punting yards:41,972
Punting average:46.8
Longest punt:70
Inside 20:333
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Thomas James Morstead[1] (born March 8, 1986) is an American football punter for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at SMU and was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Early years

Morstead was born in Houston, Texas, and was raised in a nearby suburb of Pearland, Texas.[2] He has one brother, Patrick. He attended Pearland High School and won varsity letters in football and basketball.[3][4] In football, as a senior, Morstead received second-team All-District honors and was named the Brazoria County Special Teams MVP. He was a member of the National Honor Society, adding Academic All-State honors.[5]

College career

Morstead enrolled at Southern Methodist in 2004, turning down scholarship offers from Texas Christian, Rice, Texas and Missouri, but spent the season as a redshirt.[6][7] He was a member of the Conference USA's Academic Honor Roll in 2005, but never appeared in a game.[8] Morstead took over place-kicking and punting chores in 2006, earning All-Conference USA third-team honors. He led Conference USA with an average of 43.82 yards on 50 attempts, the best average by an SMU punter since Craig James averaged 44.9 yards in 1982.[9] He made 13 of 18 field goals and 34 of 35 extra points for a total of 73 points. He recorded one solo tackle.[10]

As a sophomore, Morstead was a consensus All-Conference USA first-team pick and also gained league academic honors. He again led C-USA with a 44.65-yard average.[11] He scored 82 points and set the league single-season record by making all 43 extra point attempts, as he also connected on 13 of 20 field goals.[12] Morstead concentrated more on directional punting in 2008. The All-Conference USA honorable mention averaged 41.78 yards on 59 punts. He made 11 of 15 field goals, 29 of 30 extra points and amassed 62 points.[13]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span40-yard dash10-yard split20-yard splitBench press
6 ft 4+1⁄4 in
(1.94 m)		 225 lb
(102 kg)		 32 in
(0.81 m)		 9 in
(0.23 m)		4.88 s1.79 s2.91 s19 reps
All values from NFL Combine[14][15][16]

New Orleans Saints

Morstead with the Saints n 2012

Morstead was drafted in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft with the 164th overall selection by the New Orleans Saints.[17] He was the second punter chosen in 2009, after Kevin Huber (by the Cincinnati Bengals).[18] Morstead beat out Glenn Pakulak for the Saints' punting job in 2009.[19] As a rookie, he recorded 58 punts for a 43.59 average.[20] He played a critical role in the Saints' victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. Morstead executed an onside kick during the second half kickoff. The Saints recovered the ball and were able to convert that possession into a touchdown and a 13–10 lead. The Saints would eventually win the game 31–17.[21] After the game, Morstead stated that while he was excited about executing the play, he was also terrified knowing that if the play was not executed perfectly, the Colts would have likely recovered the ball with a shot of extending their 10–6 lead.[22]

In the 2010 season, Morstead had 57 punts with a 45.93 average.[23]

Morstead currently holds the record for most kickoff touchbacks in one game (9 in a 62–7 defeat of the Colts on October 23, 2011)[24] and the record for the most touchbacks in a single season (68 in 2011).[25] He finished the 2011 season with 46 punts with a 48.35 average.[26]

In July 2012, the Saints signed Morstead to a six-year extension stated to be worth $21.9 million, making him the second highest paid punter in the league (after Shane Lechler of the Oakland Raiders).[25] He went on to have an outstanding season, leading the league (with a record-setting pace through 15 games) in net punting yardage,[27] and was elected to the Pro Bowl.[28] He had 74 punts with a 50.09 average in the 2012 season.[29]

In the 2013 season, Morestead finished with 61 punts with a 46.87 average.[30]

Morstead (left) serving as holder at the 2013 Pro Bowl

Before the 2014 season, Morstead was selected as the Saints' special teams captain.[31] In the 2014 season, he finished with 58 punts with a 46.38 average.[32]

Morstead retained the captain title in 2015.[33] In the 2015 season, Morstead finished with 56 punts with a 45.55 average.[34]

In the 2016 season, Morstead finished with 57 punts for a 48.26 average.[35]

In the 2017 season, Morstead finished with 60 punts for a 47.03 average.[36] In the NFC Divisional matchup versus the Minnesota Vikings, Morstead tore cartilage in his rib cage after making a tackle in the first quarter but remained in the game. Nevertheless, he was visibly hurt as he punted throughout the game.[37] The Vikings scored the winning touchdown in the closing seconds of the game, and both sides assumed that the contest was over with Saints players headed for the locker room, however Morstead was the first player to return to the field for the extra point attempt.[38][39] Vikings' fans were impressed by the toughness and sportsmanship Morstead displayed in the eventual defeat, so a Vikings-dedicated Reddit group donated more than $140,000 to his charity in less than 24 hours, and Morstead presented the donations to the Children's Hospital of Minnesota.[40]

On March 16, 2018, Morstead signed a five-year contract extension with the Saints.[41] In the 2018 season, he punted 43 times for a 46.42 average.[42]

In Week 3 of the 2019 season, Morstead downed four of his six punts inside the 20-yard line in a 33–27 win over the Seattle Seahawks, earning him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.[43] In Week 6, Morstead pinned five of his six punts inside the 20-yard line with a long of 51 yards in a 13–6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, earning him his second NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors of 2019.[44] He was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for September.[45] In the 2019 season, he punted 60 times for a 46.17 average.[46]

In Week 1 of the 2020 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Morstead had five punts inside the 20 yard line during the 34–23 win. He was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance.[47] In the 2020 season, Morstead finished with 62 punts for a 43.13 average.[48]

On March 4, 2021, the Saints released Morstead after 12 seasons.[49]

New York Jets

On September 14, 2021, Morstead signed with the New York Jets[50] to fill in for the injured Braden Mann. He was released on November 8.[51]

Atlanta Falcons

On November 23, 2021, Morstead signed with the Atlanta Falcons.[52]

In his Falcons debut in Week 12, Morstead downed three of his five punts inside the 20 yard line in the 21–14 win over the Jaguars, earning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.[53] He was also later named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for December.[54] In the 2021 season, he punted 45 times for a 47.18 average.[55]

Miami Dolphins

On April 8, 2022, Morstead signed with the Miami Dolphins.[56]

In a Week 3 game against the Buffalo Bills, Morstead inadvertently kicked a punt in the endzone into the buttocks of teammate Trent Sherfield, resulting in a safety. The play went viral, becoming known as the "Butt Punt". [57][58] In the 2022 season, Morstead punted 61 times with a 46.36 average.[59]

New York Jets (second stint)

On April 7, 2023, Morstead signed with the New York Jets.[60]

During Week 8 against the New York Giants, Morstead punted the ball 11 times, averaging 48.1 yards per punt, with the ball landing inside the five-yard line three times, securing the 13-10 win. [61][62] Morstead was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance.[63]

NFL career statistics

Legend
Won the Super Bowl
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular season

Year Team GP Punting
PuntsYdsAvgLngBlk
2009NO 16582,52843.6600
2010NO 16572,61845.9640
2011NO 16462,22448.3641
2012NO 16743,70750.1700
2013NO 16612,85946.9610
2014NO 16582,69046.4630
2015NO 14562,55145.6580
2016NO 16572,75148.3660
2017NO 16602,82247.0680
2018NO 16431,99646.4600
2019NO 16602,77046.2640
2020NO 16622,67443.1580
2021NYJ 7231,10848.2590
ATL 7221,01546.1640
2022MIA 17612,82846.4660
2023NYJ 17994,83148.8620
Career23889741,97246.8701

Postseason

Year Team GP Punting
PuntsYdsAvgLngBlk
2009NO 31361847.5660
2010NO 1419147.8550
2011NO 2522745.4600
2013NO 2726037.1550
2017NO 2837546.9570
2018NO 2730543.6500
2019NO 1522945.8500
2020NO 2520040.0580
2022MIA 1626243.7520
Career16602,66744.5660

Personal life

Morstead and his wife, Lauren, have four children.[64][65] Morstead is a Catholic.[66][67]

In 2014, Morstead and his wife, Lauren, created the charity What You Give Will Grow.[68][69][70]

Morstead co-wrote a book with Sean Jensen named "The Middle School Rules of Thomas Morstead."[71]

References

  1. ↑ "Thomas Morstead Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  2. ↑ McLellan, Ashley (August 1, 2012). "Thomas Morstead". My New Orleans. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  3. ↑ "NFL star returns home to guide young kicker". Pearland Oilers Football. June 19, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  4. ↑ "Pearland's Morstead earns Pro Bowl honors". Chron.com. December 30, 2012. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Bio File on P Thomas Morstead". New Orleans Saints. April 26, 2009. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  6. ↑ Staley, Antwan (July 12, 2023). "How an English village began career of Jets' Thomas Morstead". New York Daily News. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  7. ↑ "Thomas Morstead". SMU Mustangs Athletics. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Pro College Football Scouting". procollegefootball.blogspot.com. October 22, 2008. Retrieved October 8, 2011.
  9. ↑ "2006 Conference USA Leaders". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  10. ↑ "Thomas Morstead 2006 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  11. ↑ "2007 Conference USA Leaders". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  12. ↑ "Thomas Morstead 2007 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  13. ↑ "Thomas Morstead 2008 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  14. ↑ "Thomas Morstead Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  15. ↑ "2009 Draft Scout Thomas Morstead, Southern Methodist NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". draftscout.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  16. ↑ "Thomas Morstead 2009 NFL Draft Profile". insider.espn.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  17. ↑ "Morstead Taken In NFL Draft". SMU Mustangs Athletics. September 21, 2006. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  18. ↑ "2009 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  19. ↑ Allee-Walsh, Brian (August 27, 2009). "New Orleans Saints give Thomas Morstead vote of confidence and Glenn Pakulak the boot". NOLA.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  20. ↑ "Thomas Morstead 2009 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Super Bowl XLIV - New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts - February 7th, 2010". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  22. ↑ Hart, Jay (February 8, 2010). "Saints' onside decision 'terrified' rookie kicker". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
  23. ↑ "Thomas Morstead 2010 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  24. ↑ Graves, Kandace (November 19, 2011). "Raffle for Thomas Morstead prize package ends Sunday". Best of New Orleans. Retrieved November 19, 2011.
  25. 1 2 "Thomas Morstead, Saints agree". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 26, 2012. Retrieved July 26, 2012.
  26. ↑ "Thomas Morstead 2011 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  27. ↑ "2012 NFL Punting". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  28. ↑ Hogan, Nakia (December 26, 2012). "New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead, guard Jahri Evans named to NFC Pro Bowl squad". NOLA.com. Retrieved December 26, 2012.
  29. ↑ "Thomas Morstead 2012 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  30. ↑ "Thomas Morstead 2013 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  31. ↑ Yellin, Lyons (September 1, 2014). "New Orleans Saints name Junior Galette, four others team captains". WWLTV.com. Archived from the original on September 2, 2014. Retrieved September 1, 2014.
  32. ↑ "Thomas Morstead 2014 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  33. ↑ Terrell, Katherine (September 10, 2015). "New Orleans Saints vote three new captains for 2015 season". NOLA.com. Retrieved September 10, 2015.
  34. ↑ "Thomas Morstead 2015 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  35. ↑ "Thomas Morstead 2016 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  36. ↑ "Thomas Morstead 2017 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  37. ↑ Williams, Charean (January 16, 2018). "Thomas Morstead plays through rib injury, impressing Vikings fans". NBC Sports. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  38. ↑ Katzenstein, Josh (January 18, 2018). "How did Thomas Morstead end up on field for extra-point attempt vs. Vikings?". NOLA.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  39. ↑ Gaines, Cork (January 15, 2018). "It took the Vikings 8 minutes to run a meaningless play after their playoff game was decided — but gamblers rejoiced". Business Insider. Archived from the original on January 31, 2018.
  40. ↑ Duncan, Jeff (January 18, 2018). "Contributions to Thomas Morstead's foundation soar past $150,000 mark". NOLA.com. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
  41. ↑ Gantt, Darin (March 16, 2018). "Saints extend punter Thomas Morstead". NBC Sports. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  42. ↑ "Thomas Morstead 2018 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  43. ↑ Butler, Alex (September 25, 2019). "Giants' Daniel Jones, Texans' Deshaun Watson among NFL Players of the Week". UPI. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  44. ↑ Baca, Michael (October 16, 2019). "Sam Darnold, Kyler Murray among Players of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  45. ↑ "Mahomes, McCaffrey among Players of the Month". NFL.com. October 3, 2019. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  46. ↑ "Thomas Morstead 2019 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  47. ↑ Gordon, Grant (September 16, 2020). "Lamar Jackson, Russell Wilson among Week 1 Players of the Week". www.nfl.com. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
  48. ↑ "Thomas Morstead 2020 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  49. ↑ "New Orleans Saints terminate contract of punter Thomas Morstead". NewOrleansSaints.com. March 4, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  50. ↑ Greenberg, Ethan; Allen, Eric (September 14, 2021). "Jets Sign 4 Players; Place 4 on Injured Reserve". NewYorkJets.com. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  51. ↑ Greenberg, Ethan (November 8, 2021). "Jets Release P Thomas Morstead". NewYorkJets.com. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  52. ↑ Bair, Scott (November 23, 2021). "Falcons punter moves: Thomas Morstead signed to active roster; Dom Maggio joins practice squad". AtlantaFalcons.com. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  53. ↑ Scott, Jelani (December 1, 2021). "Bengals RB Joe Mixon, Buccaneers RB Leonard Fournette among NFL Players of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  54. ↑ Baca, Michael (December 30, 2021). "Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers highlight Players of the Month". NFL.com. Retrieved December 31, 2021.
  55. ↑ "Thomas Morstead 2021 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  56. ↑ "Roster Moves: Dolphins sign Morstead". MiamiDolphins.com. April 8, 2022. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  57. ↑ Skiver, Kevin (September 29, 2022). "Why Thomas Morstead's 'butt punt' may go from making fantasy players laugh to making them cry with recent rescore". Sporting News. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  58. ↑ Farrar, Doug (September 25, 2022). "Dolphins' Thomas Morstead performs the ultra-rare butt punt". Touchdown Wire. Associated Press. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  59. ↑ "Thomas Morstead 2022 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  60. ↑ Greenberg, Ethan (April 7, 2023). "Jets Sign P Thomas Morstead". NewYorkJets.com. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  61. ↑ Lange, Randy (October 31, 2023). "'Oldster' Thomas Morstead Kicks It Up a Notch vs. the Giants". NewYorkJets.com. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  62. ↑ Riccette, Billy (October 29, 2023). "After full-circle win, Thomas Morstead grateful for Jets giving him opportunity back in 2021". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  63. ↑ Gordon, Grant (November 1, 2023). "Bengals QB Joe Burrow, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts highlight Players of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  64. ↑ Duncan, Jeff (August 24, 2017). "Even in NFL games, Thomas Morstead's commitment rings true". NOLA.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  65. ↑ DiFabrizio, Emilia (February 18, 2019). "Thomas Morstead Welcomes Fourth Child Over the Weekend". WhereYat.com. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  66. ↑ "Morstead, Moore exchange vows". Chron.com. August 5, 2013. Retrieved April 16, 2023.
  67. ↑ Romano, Jason (July 31, 2020). "NEW PODCAST: Thomas Morstead - New Orleans Saints Punter". Sports Spectrum. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  68. ↑ Kelley, Jeanna (January 19, 2018). "Vikings fans donate $200K to Saints P Thomas Morstead's foundation as part of growing NFL trend". SBNation.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  69. ↑ Howell, Anna Jane (April 29, 2021). "What's Your Story: What you give will grow". KNOE. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  70. ↑ Busbee, Jay (July 28, 2018). "Kick it forward: How Saints punter Thomas Morstead turned terrible day into blessing". Yahoo! News. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  71. ↑ Boylan, Brendan (May 26, 2020). "Thomas Morstead publishes first book". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
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