History of Tress Way in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: January 27, 2025

Tress Way is an American professional football punter who currently plays for the Washington Commanders in the NFL. He began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears in 2013 after playing college football at the University of Oklahoma. The following year, he joined the Washington Commanders (formerly known as the Washington Redskins). Way has achieved significant recognition for his punting abilities, including two Pro Bowl selections and a second-team All-Pro honor in 2019. He has cemented his place in the Commanders' franchise history by becoming their all-time leading punter in total punting yards. Notably, Way punts with his left foot, a relatively uncommon practice among NFL punters.

April 18, 1990: Birth of Tress Way

Tressler William Way was born on April 18, 1990.

2008: High School Graduation

Tress Way graduated from Union High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2008.

2009: College Football Career Begins

Tress Way began his college football career with the Oklahoma Sooners in 2009 after redshirting his freshman year.

December 2012: College Graduation

Tress Way graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies in December 2012.

April 28, 2013: Signed by Chicago Bears

On April 28, 2013, Tress Way signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent.

August 25, 2013: Waived by Chicago Bears

Tress Way was waived by the Chicago Bears on August 25, 2013.

2013: Tress Way's NFL Career Begins

In 2013, Tress Way began his NFL journey as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears. He also married Brianna Turang this year.

2013: Marriage

Tress Way married Brianna Turang in 2013.

August 18, 2014: Waived by Chicago Bears (Again)

On August 18, 2014, Tress Way was waived by the Chicago Bears for a second time.

August 20, 2014: Claimed by Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins claimed Tress Way off waivers on August 20, 2014.

2014: Joined Washington

In 2014, Way joined Washington.

2014: Way Joins the Washington Commanders

Tress Way joined the Washington Commanders (then Redskins) in 2014 and made an immediate impact, leading the NFL in gross punting average. He also gave up his jersey number 5 to Jayden Daniels.

2015: Named Special Teams Captain

At the start of the 2015 season, Tress Way was named special teams captain for the Washington Redskins.

March 4, 2016: Contract Tender and Extension

On March 4, 2016, the Redskins extended a tender to Tress Way, and later signed him to a five-year contract extension.

2017: 2017 Season Performance

In the 2017 season, Way appeared in all games and maintained a solid punting average.

2018: NFC Special Teams Player of the Week

In 2018, Tress Way was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

December 27, 2019: Contract Extension

Tress Way signed a four-year contract extension with the Washington Redskins on December 27, 2019.

2019: Way Earns All-Pro Honors and Pro Bowl Selection

Tress Way achieved significant recognition in 2019, earning second-team All-Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl selection. He also signed a four-year contract extension with the Commanders.