Michael Koenen is a former American football punter and kickoff specialist who played in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade. He began his football career at Western Washington University, where he played as a punter and kicker for four years.
After going undrafted in the 2005 NFL Draft, Koenen signed with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent. He quickly established himself as a reliable punter and kickoff specialist, earning a reputation for his strong leg and accuracy. He played for the Falcons for six seasons, from 2005 to 2010, and was named the team's special teams captain in 2009.
In 2011, Koenen signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent. He continued to excel as a punter and kickoff specialist, setting several franchise records during his time with the team. He also became known for his versatility, occasionally filling in as a placekicker when needed.
Koenen played for the Buccaneers for four seasons, from 2011 to 2014, before being released in 2015. He briefly signed with the Cleveland Browns but was released before the start of the regular season.
Throughout his career, Koenen was known for his consistency and durability. He played in all 16 games in eight of his ten NFL seasons and finished his career with a career average of 44.7 yards per punt. He also recorded 407 touchbacks on kickoffs, ranking him among the league's top kickoff specialists.
In addition to his on-field success, Koenen was also recognized for his community involvement and philanthropy. He was a regular participant in team-sponsored events and was named the Buccaneers' Man of the Year in 2013 for his charitable work.
Overall, Michael Koenen had a successful career as a punter and kickoff specialist in the NFL. He was known for his strong leg, accuracy, and versatility, and was a reliable contributor to his teams throughout his career.
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