“Punting Is a Part of Quarterback’s Job” – Peyton Manning Agrees With Pat McAfee

Former punter and current sports analyst Pat McAfee is known for his impressive punting skills. This includes the highest career net average of 41.1 yards and 193 punts pinned inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. He is also well-known as the “Punter who shocked the world.” He gained this fame after a powerful tackle on returner Trindon Holliday during a Denver game.

In a recent special interview, McAfee, once an “emergency quarterback” himself, tackles the unconventional strategy of quarterbacks punting the ball. He flips the script by offering a lesson to the legendary quarterback, Peyton Manning, on the intricacies of punting. The segment also highlights the rarely-seen skill of quarterbacks performing punts and offers a glimpse into the expertise needed for successful execution.

Pat McAfee affirms that punting is a quarterback’s duty

A conversation between legendary quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Pat McAfee shed some light on the forgotten skill of punting by quarterbacks. Manning asks McAfee, “Why’d you become a punter? You could tackle and you had other options.” “It used to be like a rule if you played quarterback, you also had to do the most important decision, which is punt,” responds Pat McAfee confidently. However, he is probed further by Manning as to whether he phrased the importance of punting correctly, citing its rarity as a quarterback’s duty. Their conversation further reaffirms that “Punting used to be a quarterback’s job description.” “Normally the quarterback is the best athlete. The best athlete can normally catch well and throw well and obviously bomb footballs” he said. 

A quarterback, in the normal offensive formation, uses a punt in specific situations. For instance, when close to the opponent’s end zone or on crucial third or fourth downs, often as a surprise tactic. It has been done numerous times throughout football history. Though not a common play, quarterbacks have used punts strategically in crucial moments, even leading their teams to victories.

Punters are the underrated heroes of the gridiron

While punters rarely directly score points through touchdowns, their contributions to a team’s victory can be substantial. Masters of the craft, like Pat McAfee, can significantly impact the game by pinning opposing offenses deep into their territory. McAfee, despite a relatively short career, established himself as a special team’s weapon through his exceptional punting skills.

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However, the history of punting boasts even more versatile players. Sammy Baugh, a true legend, surpassed the typical punter role. He excelled as a quarterback, cornerback, tailback, defensive tackle, and even returned punts and kickoffs. Remarkably, in 1940, “Slinging Sammy” set an NFL record by averaging 51 yards per punt—a feat that stood for an astounding 82 years until being surpassed by Ryan Stonehouse of the Tennessee Titans in 2022. Likewise, punters have influenced the outcome of games throughout NFL history.

Sid Luckman’s punting skills provided the Chicago Bears’ legendary coach, George Halas, with the tactical edge needed for his “Monsters of the Midway” to dominate. Similarly, Norm Van Brocklin’s punting mastery played a crucial role in propelling the Philadelphia Eagles to a world championship in 1960. Let us know your thoughts on the punters in the NFL in the comments below. 

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