History of Tress Way in Timeline
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.
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: 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.
2020: NFC Special Teams Player of the Week (Twice)
In 2020, Tress Way received the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award twice, in Week 11 and Week 14.
2021: 2021 Season Performance
In 2021, Way continued as the starting punter for Washington.
October 2022: NFC Special Teams Player of the Month
Tress Way was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for October 2022.
December 2022: Pro Bowl Selection
Tress Way was selected for the 2023 Pro Bowl in December 2022.
2023: NFC Special Teams Player of the Week
In Week 9 of the 2023 season, Way earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
2023: 2023 Season and Pro Bowl
Way had a strong 2023 season, being voted to the Pro Bowl.
2024: Washington's Franchise Leader in Punting Yards
By the end of the 2024 season, Tress Way became Washington's all-time leader in punting yards.
