Craig Hentrich is a former American football punter who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons. He was born on May 18, 1971, in Alton, Illinois, and attended Notre Dame High School in Alton. Hentrich played college football at the University of Notre Dame, where he was a standout punter and kicker.
Hentrich was selected by the New York Jets in the eighth round of the 1993 NFL Draft, but he did not make the team and was released before the start of the regular season. He then signed with the Green Bay Packers and played for them from 1994 to 1997. During his time with the Packers, Hentrich established himself as one of the best punters in the league, earning Pro Bowl honors in 1997.
In 1998, Hentrich signed with the Tennessee Oilers, who later became the Tennessee Titans. He played for the Titans from 1998 to 2009 and was a key contributor to the team's success during that time. Hentrich was known for his strong leg and accuracy, and he was a valuable asset in both punting and kickoff duties.
Hentrich was a member of the Titans team that made it to Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000, where they lost to the St. Louis Rams in a close game. He also played in two Pro Bowls during his time with the Titans, in 2003 and 2004.
In addition to his punting and kickoff duties, Hentrich was also a reliable holder for field goals and extra points. He worked closely with Titans kicker Rob Bironas, and the two formed a successful partnership that lasted for several seasons.
Hentrich retired from the NFL after the 2009 season, having played in 241 regular-season games and 16 playoff games. He finished his career with a career punting average of 42.9 yards per punt and a net average of 37.6 yards per punt. He also had 17 career tackles and one fumble recovery.
Since retiring from football, Hentrich has remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor. He has worked with young kickers and punters, helping them to develop their skills and reach their full potential. He has also been active in his community, supporting various charitable organizations and causes.
Overall, Craig Hentrich had a long and successful career as an NFL punter, earning the respect and admiration of his teammates, coaches, and fans. He was a consistent performer who always gave his best effort on the field, and he will be remembered as one of the best punters of his era.
🏈