Tommy Barnhardt is a former American football punter who played in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade. He was born on November 28, 1963, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he played college football as a punter and kicker.
Barnhardt began his professional career in the NFL in 1987 when he signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent. He played for the Saints for four seasons, from 1987 to 1990, and established himself as a reliable punter. In 1991, he joined the San Diego Chargers, where he played for two seasons before being traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1993.
Barnhardt played for the Buccaneers for three seasons, from 1993 to 1995, and was named the team's special teams captain in 1995. He then signed with the Washington Redskins in 1996 and played for them for two seasons before being released in 1998. He then signed with the Carolina Panthers, where he played for three seasons, from 1998 to 2000, and was a member of the team that reached the Super Bowl in 2004.
Throughout his career, Barnhardt was known for his consistency and accuracy as a punter. He was also a versatile player who could kick field goals and kickoffs when needed. He finished his career with 1,000 punts for 42,951 yards, an average of 42.9 yards per punt, and 238 punts inside the 20-yard line.
After retiring from football, Barnhardt became a successful businessman and entrepreneur. He founded several companies, including a real estate development firm and a sports marketing agency. He also served as a football analyst for ESPN and other media outlets.
In conclusion, Tommy Barnhardt was a talented and accomplished punter who played in the NFL for over a decade. He was known for his consistency, accuracy, and versatility, and was a valuable member of every team he played for. After retiring from football, he went on to achieve success in the business world and as a football analyst.
🏈