Washington Commanders Pro Bowl punter Tress Way recently announced that 2026 will likely mark the conclusion of his extensive NFL career, stating he is “pretty sure” this is his final season playing.
“This year too will be special because I am pretty sure this will be my last season. I talked with AP [Adam Peters] and DQ [Dan Quinn] to give…”
The revelation signals the impending end of a remarkable tenure for one of the franchise’s most beloved and consistent players, prompting emotional reflections from Way and his teammates.
A Decade-Plus of Excellence
Way first arrived in Washington in 2014, taking over the starting punter role from Robert Malone. Since that rookie campaign, Way has been a fixture on the roster, offering unparalleled stability at a specialized position. Earning multiple Pro Bowl nods and All-Pro honors, he cemented himself in the franchise record books as the all-time leader in punt yards.
For the first time in over a decade, the Commanders’ front office will have to begin planning for life without him and formally search for a new punter.
Over his 12 seasons with Washington, Tress Way has amassed numbers that place him at the top of the franchise’s record books. Entering the 2026 season, he has appeared in 196 regular-season games.
Career Punting Statistics
| Category | Total |
| Games Played | 196 |
| Total Punts | 832 |
| Punting Yards | 39,031 |
| Gross Average | 46.9 yards |
| Punts Inside the 20 | 325 |
Washington Franchise Records
Way currently holds the all-time Washington franchise records in three major punting categories:
- Career Punting Yards: 39,031 yards. Way passed previous record-holder Mike Bragg during the 2024 season to claim the top spot.
- Career Punting Average: 46.9 yards per punt.
- Career Punts Inside the 20-Yard Line: 325.
Way’s historic production has also earned him three Pro Bowl selections (2019, 2022, and 2025) and a second-team All-Pro nod in 2019.
An Emotional Journey
Reflecting on his time in the league and his impending retirement, Way has been visibly emotional, expressing profound gratitude for his journey. That sentiment is shared throughout the locker room, especially by his close friend and special teams teammate, Jeremy Reaves.
Reaves and Way have forged a strong bond through their shared experiences on the field. Reaves has openly expressed deep emotion when discussing Way’s impact, noting that Way has been a constant presence and supporter throughout Reaves’s own career struggles and triumphs. The genuine connection between the two highlights the leadership and camaraderie Way has brought to the franchise behind the scenes.
As the 2026 season progresses, every punt will carry a bit more weight, marking the final chapter for a player who has quietly been one of Washington’s most valuable assets.
