Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Chris Kluwe

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 20, 2025

How Chris Kluwe built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Chris Kluwe is an American writer and former NFL punter. He played college football at UCLA before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played for the Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, and Oakland Raiders. He's now also known as an author and public figure.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2005: Signed with the Seahawks as undrafted free agent

In 2005, Chris Kluwe signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent after playing college football for the UCLA Bruins.

2005: Signed by the Seattle Seahawks

In 2005, Chris Kluwe was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Seattle Seahawks after the NFL draft.

October 25, 2007: Signed contract extension

On October 25, 2007, Kluwe signed an $8.3-million contract extension with the Vikings through 2013, making him one of the 10 highest-paid punters in the NFL.

2009: Formed Tripping Icarus

In 2009, Chris Kluwe formed the alternative/progressive metal band Tripping Icarus with friends in Minneapolis.

2011: Offered Jersey Number in Exchange for Promotion

In 2011, when Donovan McNabb was traded to Minnesota, Chris Kluwe offered McNabb his number 5 jersey in exchange for mentioning Tripping Icarus in press conferences and a donation to Kluwe's charity.

September 7, 2012: Letter to Emmett Burns

On September 7, 2012, Kluwe publicly released a letter he sent to Maryland state assembly delegate Emmett Burns defending Brendon Ayanbadejo's opinions.

October 1, 2012: Letter to the editor

On October 1, 2012, Kluwe published a letter to the editor that responded to a video statement released by former Viking Matt Birk in supporting a ban on same-sex marriage.

October 25, 2012: Vikings bring in punters for workouts

After a poor performance on October 25, 2012, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Vikings brought in several punters for workouts to potentially replace Kluwe.

December 8, 2012: Featured in documentary

On December 8, 2012, Kluwe was featured in a documentary called The Last Barrier which aired on NBC Bay Area. During this interview he spoke about his feelings towards equality.

2012: Released by Vikings

In 2012, Kluwe was released by the Minnesota Vikings after the season.

January 2013: Team signs T.J. Conley

In January 2013, the Vikings signed punter T.J. Conley to a futures contract.

February 28, 2013: Amicus brief to Supreme Court

On February 28, 2013, Kluwe and Ayanbadejo filed an amicus brief to the United States Supreme Court regarding Hollingsworth v. Perry, supporting the challenge to California Proposition 8.