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Brett Kern
Brett Kern
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Brett Alan Kern[1] (born February 17, 1986) is an American former professional football player who was a punter in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Toledo Rockets and was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008.

Key Information

After being waived by the Broncos after less than two full seasons, Kern was then acquired by the Tennessee Titans in 2009 and became a three-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time All-Pro with the team over the course of 13 seasons. After being released by the Titans, he spent part of the 2022 season with the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring.

Early life

[edit]

Kern is a 2004 graduate of Grand Island Senior High School, where he played on the football team.[2] He was named All-New York State as a senior and was a member of the schools Section VI championship. Following graduation from high school, Kern represented New York State in the New York-New Jersey Governor's Bowl played at the United States Military Academy. He also played basketball and was a long jumper and high hurdler on the track team.

College career

[edit]

Kern played college football at the university of Toledo for head coach Tom Amstutz.[3]

2004 season

[edit]

As a freshman in 2004, Kern was immediately inserted into the role of punter for the Rockets. In his collegiate debut, he had eight punts for 344 net yards (43.0 average) against Minnesota.[4] In the next game against Kansas, he had a season-high nine punts for a season-high 357 net yards (39.7 average).[5] On October 16, against Ohio, he had two punts for 101 net yards for a season-high 50.5 average.[6] In the next game against Central Michigan, he recorded his first collegiate pass, a successful 46-yard throw.[7] On the season, he had 44 punts for 1,788 net yards for a 40.6 average.[8]

2005 season

[edit]

Kern continued to contribute in his second season as the Rockets' punter. On September 1, in the season opener against Western Illinois, he had three punts for 99 net yards for a 33.0 average.[9] On September 27, against Fresno State, he had five punts for a season-high 206 net yards for a 41.2 average.[10] On October 15, against Ball State, he had a successful passing attempt for 34 yards.[11] On October 22 against Buffalo, he had two punts for 91 net yards for a season-high 45.5 average.[12] Overall, in the 2005 season, he had 33 punts for 1,305 yards for a 39.5 average.[13]

2006 season

[edit]

Kern's punting career continued into his junior season in 2006. On August 31, against Iowa State, he had a single punt for 46 yards in the season opener.[14] On September 15, against Kansas, he had a season-high 12 punts for a season-high 484 net yards for a 40.3 average.[15] On October 7, against Central Michigan, he completed a 25-yard pass.[16] Overall, in the 2006 season, he had 60 punts for 2,502 net yards for a 41.7 average.[17]

2007 season

[edit]

Kern's final season with the Rockets was in 2007. On September 1, against Purdue, he had eight punts for 394 net yards for a 49.3 average.[18] On September 15, against Kansas, he had a season-high 10 punts for a season-high 420 net yards for a 42.00 average.[19] On September 29, 2007, against Western Michigan, he had six punts for 323 net yards for a season-high 53.8 average.[20] On October 27, against Northern Illinois, he had a 50-yard rush in the game.[21] The MAC Report Online named Kern the Mid-American Conference's ‘’Special Teams Player of the Year’’ in 2007.[22] Kern was also a finalist for the Ray Guy Award in 2007.[23] That year, he averaged 46.5 yards per punt, second in the nation.[24] Overall, in his final season, he had 52 total punts for 2,399 yards for a 46.1 average.[25]

College statistics

[edit]
Season Team Class Pos Punting
Punts Yds Avg
2004 Toledo FR P 44 1,788 40.6
2005 Toledo SO P 33 1,305 39.5
2006 Toledo JR P 60 2,502 41.7
2007 Toledo SR P 52 2,399 46.1
Career 189 7,994 42.3

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight
6 ft 2+34 in
(1.90 m)
195 lb
(88 kg)
Values from Pro Day[26]

Denver Broncos (2008–2009)

[edit]

In 2008, Kern won the starting punter job for the Broncos, winning the job over competitor Sam Paulescu.[27]

During his rookie season, Kern attempted 46 punts for an average of 46.7. He made his NFL debut the season opener against the Oakland Raiders, recording two punts for 80 yards for a 40.0 average.[28] Kern's longest punt of the year was 64 yards against the San Diego Chargers in Week 2.[29] On October 5, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he had five punts for a season-high 248 net yards for a 49.6 average.[30] Kern gave away one touchdown that year against the Oakland Raiders in Week 12 when Johnnie Lee Higgins took the punt back 89 yards for the score.[31][32]

Kern in 2009

Kern remained as the Broncos' punter in his second professional season. In the season-opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, Kern had a season-high eight punts for a season-high 340 net yards for a 42.5 average.[33] In the next game against the Cleveland Browns, he had two punts for 109 net yards for a season-high 54.5 average.[34]

Despite having the third-highest yards per punt average in NFL history,[35] Kern was waived by the Broncos on October 26, 2009.[36]

Tennessee Titans (2009–2022)

[edit]

2009–2016: Early career in Tennessee

[edit]

Kern was claimed off waivers by the Tennessee Titans, replacing Reggie Hodges. When Kern was released from the Broncos and claimed by the Titans, the Broncos were 6–0 while the Titans were 0–6. A subsequent Titans winning streak and Broncos losing streak led to a situation where teams with Kern on the roster had compiled a record of 11–0 to begin the season, despite the two teams being a collective 12–10 overall in that period.

On November 1, Kern made his Titans debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had four punts for 193 net yards for a 48.25 average.[37]

Kern finished the 2009 season with 64 punts for 2,910 yards for a 45.47 average.[38]

Kern remained as the Titans' punter in the 2010 season. During the season opener against the Oakland Raiders, he had four punts for 200 net yards for a season-high 50.0 average.[39] During Week 16 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Kern had a season-high eight punts for a season-high 352 net yards for a 44.0 average.[40] Overall, in the 2010 season, he had 77 punts for 3,302 net yards for a 42.88 average.[41]

On February 24, Kern signed a four-year, $5.2 million contract extension with the Titans with $2.1 million guaranteed.[42]

During the season opener, Kern had seven punts for 291 net yards for a 41.57 average against the Jacksonville Jaguars.[43] Two weeks later against the Denver Broncos, he had a 21-yard rush.[44] During Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts, Kern had a season-high eight punts for a season-high 330 net yards for a 41.25 average.[45] On December 4, against the Buffalo Bills, he had five punts for 239 net yards for a season-high 47.8 average.[46]

Kern finished the 2011 season with 86 punts for 3,747 net yards for a 43.57 average.[47]

During the season opener, against the New England Patriots, Kern had four punts for 209 net yards for a 52.25 average.[48] During Week 14 against the Indianapolis Colts, he had three punts for 165 net yards for a season-high 55.0 average.[49] In the next game against the New York Jets, Kern had a season-high 10 punts for a season-high 391 net yards for a 39.1 average.[50] Overall, in the 2012 season, he had 81 punts for 3,855 yards for a 47.59 average.[51]

During the season-opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kern had five punts for 208 net yards for a 41.6 average.[52] In the next game against the Houston Texans, he had a season-high eight punts for 382 net yards for a 47.75 average.[53] On December 8, against the Denver Broncos, Kern had four punts for 201 net yards for a season-high 50.25 average.[54] Overall, in the 2013 season, he had 78 punts for 3,386 net yards for a 43.41 average.[55]

In the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, Kern had six punts for 304 net yards for a 50.67 average.[56] During Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens, Kern had a season-high eight punts for a season-high 414 net yards for a 51.75 average.[57] In the regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts, he had seven punts for 383 net yards for a season-high 54.71 average. In addition, he had a career-long 79-yard punt in the game.[58]

Kern finished the 2014 season with 88 punts for 4,118 net yards for a 46.80 average.[59]

On March 8, 2015, Kern signed a five-year $15 million contract extension with the Titans.[60]

During the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kern had four punts for 189 net yards for a 47.25 average.[61] During Week 15 against the New England Patriots, he had five punts for 272 net yards for a season-high 54.4 average.[62] In the next game against the Houston Texans, Kern had a season-high nine punts for a season-high 427 net yards for a 47.44 average.[63] Overall, in the 2015 season, he recorded 88 punts for 4,175 net yards for a 47.44 average.[64]

In the season-opener against the Minnesota Vikings, Kern had five punts for 231 net yards for a 46.2 average.[65] Two weeks later against the Oakland Raiders, he had six punts for 311 net yards for a season-high 51.83 average.[66] During Week 16 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kern had seven punts for a season-high 313 net yards for a 44.71 average.[67] In the 2016 season, he finished with 77 punts for 3,402 net yards for a 44.18 average.[68]

2017–2019: All–Pro and Pro Bowl seasons

[edit]

During the season-opener against the Oakland Raiders, Kern had four punts for 188 net yards for a 47 average.[69] Two weeks later against the Seattle Seahawks, he had six punts for 341 net yards for a season-high 56.83 average.[70] During Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins, Kern had a career-high 10 punts for a franchise-record 549 net yards and a 54.9 average.[71]

On December 19, 2017, Kern was named to his first Pro Bowl.[72] He finished the 2017 season with 75 punts for 3,728 net yards for a franchise-record 49.71 average.[73] Kern was named second-team All-Pro.[74]

The Titans finished the 2017 season with a 9–7 record and qualified for the playoffs as the #5 seed.[75][76] In the Wild Card Round against the Kansas City Chiefs, Kern made his playoff debut. In the narrow 22–21 road victory, he had three punts for 131 net yards for a 43.7 average.[77] In the Divisional Round against the New England Patriots, Kern had seven punts for 316 net yards for a 45.14 average.[78]

On December 18, 2018, Kern was named to his second Pro Bowl.[79] Kern finished the season punting 74 times with 39 being inside the 20.[80]

Kern at the 2020 Pro Bowl

On March 7, 2019, Kern signed a four-year, $12.55 million contract extension with the Titans.[81]

On December 17, 2019, Kern was selected to his third consecutive Pro Bowl.[82] He led the league in punts placed inside the 20-yard line with 37 and was named First-team All-Pro.[83]

The Titans finished the 2019 season with a 9–7 record and qualified for the playoffs as the #6 seed.[84][85] In the Wild Card Round against the New England Patriots, Kern had six punts for 275 net yards for a 45.8 average.[86] In the Divisional Round against the Baltimore Ravens, he had six punts for 315 net yards for a 52.5 average.[87] In the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Kern punted thrice for 139 net yards for a 46.3 average and threw a 28-yard completion to safety Amani Hooker on a trick play during the fourth quarter.[88]

2020–2022

[edit]
Kern in 2021

On November 7, 2020, Kern was placed on injured reserve after suffering a wrist injury in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals.[89] He was activated on November 28, 2020.[90] Kern was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Titans on December 29, 2020,[91] and activated on January 2, 2021.[92]

The Titans finished the 2020 season atop the AFC South with an 11–5 record and qualified for the playoffs.[93][94] In the Wild Card Round against the Baltimore Ravens, Kern had five punts for 228 net yards for a 45.6 average.[95]

On October 12, 2021, Kern was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Titans.[96] He had missed the two previous games with a groin injury. Kern was activated on October 22, 2021.[97]

The Titans finished the 2021 season atop the AFC South with a 12–5 record and qualified for the playoffs as the #1 seed, earning a first-round bye.[98] In the Divisional Round against the Cincinnati Bengals, he had four punts for 166 yards for a 41.5 average.[99]

Kern was released by the Titans on August 29, 2022, after undrafted rookie Ryan Stonehouse from Colorado State won the starting job.[100]

Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]

On December 13, 2022, Kern signed with the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad following an injury to their starting punter Arryn Siposs during a Week 14 game against the New York Giants.[101] Kern was signed to the active roster on January 7, 2023.[102] He appeared in four regular season games and two of the Eagles' postseason games.[103]

Retirement

[edit]

On June 1, 2023, Kern announced his retirement from professional football.[104]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Legend
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP Punting
Punts Yds Avg Lng Blk
2008 DEN 16 46 2,150 46.7 64 0
2009 DEN 6 27 1,245 46.1 64 0
TEN 10 37 1,665 45.5 67 0
2010 TEN 16 77 3,302 42.9 68 0
2011 TEN 16 86 3,747 43.6 64 0
2012 TEN 16 81 3,855 47.6 71 2
2013 TEN 16 78 3,386 43.4 63 1
2014 TEN 16 88 4,118 46.8 79 1
2015 TEN 16 88 4,175 47.4 61 0
2016 TEN 16 77 3,402 44.2 71 0
2017 TEN 16 75 3,728 49.7 74 0
2018 TEN 16 74 3,483 47.1 62 1
2019 TEN 16 78 3,672 47.1 70 0
2020 TEN 13 37 1,645 45.8 66 0
2021 TEN 14 47 2,105 44.8 59 0
2022 PHI 4 10 408 40.8 53 0
Career 223 1,006 46,136 45.9 79 5

Postseason

[edit]
Year Team GP Punting
Punts Yds Avg Lng Blk
2017 TEN 2 10 447 44.7 62 0
2019 TEN 3 15 729 48.6 63 0
2020 TEN 1 5 228 45.6 53 0
2021 TEN 1 4 166 41.5 50 0
2022 PHI 2 7 309 44.1 53 0
Career 9 41 1,879 45.8 63 0

Records and achievements

[edit]

Titans franchise records

[edit]
  • Most Punt Yards (career): 42,333[105]
  • Most Punt Yards (game): 549 (October 8, 2017, against the Miami Dolphins)[106]
  • Most Yards / Punt (playoff career): 45.8[citation needed]
  • Longest punt: 79 yards[105]

Personal life

[edit]

Kern is the son of Cal Kern, who owned the amateur Niagara Power baseball team.[107] The team switched names in 2023 to the Niagara Falls Americans. Kern is married to Tiffany Kern and they have three kids: Bryce Jeremiah, Anelle Naomi, and Quinn Eliana. Kern is a Christian.[108]

Kern is an avid golfer that sports a +1 handicap. He picked the game up late in his high school years and caddied in college for three summers at the Inverness Golf Club in Toledo, Ohio. In 2011, Kern competed in The Vinny, a local golf fundraising tournament hosted by singers Vince Gill and Amy Grant, and finished fourth in the event.[109]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Brett Kern (born February 17, 1986) is an American former professional football punter who played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) from 2008 to 2022. Kern attended the University of Toledo, where he became the Rockets' all-time leader in punting average at 42.3 yards per punt and was a member of the 2005 GMAC Bowl-winning team. Undrafted out of college, he began his NFL career with the Denver Broncos in 2008, appearing in 22 games over two seasons before being waived. He then signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2009, where he spent the majority of his career through 2021, playing in 197 games and establishing himself as one of the league's premier punters. During his tenure with the Titans, Kern set franchise records for career punts (923), gross punting average (45.9 yards), net punting average (40.8 yards), and punts inside the 20-yard line (373), while also holding nine of the top ten net punting seasons in team history. Kern earned three selections in 2017, 2018, and 2019, along with Second-Team honors in 2017 and First-Team recognition in 2019. Over his entire career, he appeared in 223 games, recording 1,006 punts for 46,136 yards with a long of 79 yards. In 2022, Kern briefly played for the , punting ten times before announcing his retirement as a Titan in 2023.

Early life

Birth and family

Brett Kern was born on February 17, 1986, in Grand Island, New York. He is the son of Cal Kern, a former owner and president of the Niagara Power, an amateur summer collegiate baseball team in the New York Collegiate Baseball League, and his wife, Sherri Kern. Cal Kern's leadership role in the team, which he helped establish and operate through its ties to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, provided Brett with early exposure to organized sports and community athletic events in the Western New York area. Kern grew up in Grand Island alongside his older sister, Leanne, in a supportive family environment that emphasized faith and perseverance, influenced by his father's experiences and involvement in local initiatives. This upbringing in a close-knit community fostered his initial interest in athletics, shaped by familial encouragement and the region's strong tradition of participation.

High school career

Brett Kern attended Grand Island Senior High School in , where he graduated in 2004. During his high school years, Kern participated in multiple sports, including football as a punter and kicker, , and events such as the and high hurdles. As a junior, he earned first-team Class A honors and second-team All-Western New York recognition, while averaging 42.5 yards per punt and placing 13 of 34 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. In his senior year of 2003, Kern received first-team All-New York State honors, first-team All-Western New York accolades, and first-team Class A selection, contributing to the Grand Island Vikings' Section VI Class A championship victory. That season, he averaged 39 yards per punt, with seven of 18 punts landing inside the 20-yard line, a longest punt of 58 yards, and a longest of 45 yards. Following his senior year, Kern was selected to represent New York in the New York-New Jersey Governor's Bowl all-star game at the . Kern attracted recruitment interest from several colleges, attending camps at Penn State, Syracuse, , and Ohio State before committing to the University of Toledo on a scholarship.

College career

2004 season

Brett Kern joined the University of Toledo Rockets as a true in 2004, having been recruited after an outstanding high school that included first-team all-state honors as a punter at Grand Island High School in New York. During preseason, Kern impressed coaches with his performance and secured the starting punter position over more experienced competitors, a decision highlighted by head coach Tom Amstutz as a testament to his potential despite his inexperience at the college level. As the primary punter for a , Kern appeared in 11 games during the 2004 season, handling 44 punts for a total of 1,788 yards and an average of 40.6 yards per punt, demonstrating his adjustment to the increased speed and physicality of . In his collegiate debut against on September 4, he punted eight times for 344 yards, averaging 43.0 yards per attempt, which provided the Rockets with effective field position control early in the season. One standout moment came on October 16 against , where Kern's two punts covered 101 yards for a 50.5-yard average, earning praise from coaches for his ability to deliver long, directional kicks under pressure in a key matchup. Throughout the year, Kern served as the team's main punter while adapting to his role on special teams, contributing to Toledo's 9-4 record and appearance in the Motor City Bowl, where he averaged 32.8 yards on four punts against .

2005 season

As a in 2005, Brett Kern served as the primary punter for the , building on his freshman experience to handle special teams responsibilities across 12 games. He recorded 33 punts for 1,305 yards, averaging 39.5 yards per punt. This performance reflected steady development in consistency, though the team's potent offense limited his opportunities compared to the prior year. Kern delivered several standout efforts in Mid-American Conference (MAC) matchups, aiding field position advantages. Against Buffalo on October 22, he averaged 45.5 yards on two punts, his season high. He also punted for 44.7 yards per attempt (three punts) in a 42-17 win over Temple on September 17, effectively pinning the Owls deep. In the MAC West-clinching 31-10 victory against Central Michigan on October 29, Kern's five punts covered 185 yards, contributing to Toledo's defensive stands. The 2005 Rockets compiled an 8-3 regular-season record, securing the MAC West title with a 6-2 conference mark before capping the year with a 45-13 GMAC Bowl triumph over UTEP for a 9-3 finish. Kern's reliable punting bolstered the special teams, supporting an offense that averaged 35.8 points per game and helping maintain favorable starting field position for opponents in critical divisional games.

2006 season

In 2006, as a junior, Brett Kern established himself as the full-time starting punter for the , handling all primary punting duties across 12 games. He recorded 60 punts for 2,502 yards, averaging 41.7 yards per punt, with a long of 69 yards, which ranked him fifth in the (MAC) for punting average among players with significant volume. His punts contributed significantly to Toledo's field position advantage. Kern's performance was particularly notable in MAC rivalry games, where his consistency helped the Rockets control field position against conference foes. For instance, against Kent State on October 14, he boomed his career-long 69-yard punt while averaging 46.0 yards over four attempts, including two inside the 20. In a crucial matchup versus on November 4, Kern delivered seven punts for 314 yards at a 44.9-yard average, pinning the Huskies deep and aiding Toledo's defensive efforts despite a 38-7 loss. Similarly, during the rivalry game against on November 21, his four punts averaged 42.8 yards, with two downed inside the 20, supporting a narrow 10-7 victory that highlighted his role in special teams execution. Building on the consistency he developed as a sophomore, Kern's junior season elevated Toledo's punting unit to one of the MAC's stronger groups, with the team's overall average exceeding the conference mark of 39.3 yards per punt, though the Rockets finished 5-7 overall. His efforts in the final eight games, where he averaged 42.6 yards per punt, underscored his growing reliability and set the stage for further recognition in subsequent years.

2007 season

In his senior season at the in 2007, Brett Kern emerged as one of the top punters in , averaging 46.1 yards per punt on 52 attempts to finish second nationally in gross punting average. He placed 17 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line while allowing just 15 returns, contributing to Toledo leading the nation in net punting. His performance earned him the (MAC) Special Teams Player of the Year award, third-team All-America honors from the and , and a spot as one of three finalists for the , recognizing the nation's top punter. Kern's directional kicking and hang time were pivotal in key games, including a season-high 53.8-yard average on six punts for 323 yards against on September 29. These efforts set school records for single-season punting average and highlighted his growth from prior years into a reliable field-position weapon for the Rockets' special teams unit. Amid Toledo's 5-7 overall record and 3-5 MAC mark that fell short of postseason eligibility, Kern's consistency bolstered the team's special teams strategy under coach Doug Downing, who designed schemes emphasizing coverage and pinning opponents deep. In his final college game, a 37-10 loss to rival on November 23, Kern's punts helped maintain competitive field position despite the defeat. Tom Amstutz praised Kern's leadership, noting his role in rallying the punt team, while national media coverage, including an invitation to ESPN's Home Depot College Football Awards, amplified his profile ahead of NFL draft preparations.

College statistics

During his four seasons at the from 2004 to 2007, Brett Kern served as the Rockets' primary punter, recording career totals of 189 punts for 7,994 yards with a 42.3-yard average. These figures established him as a key special teams contributor, with yearly breakdowns as follows:
YearPuntsYardsAverage
2004441,78840.6
2005331,30539.5
2006602,50241.7
2007522,39946.1
Career1897,99442.3
Kern's performance earned him significant recognition, including the 2007 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Special Teams Player of the Year award after receiving 27 votes from league coaches. He was also named a finalist for the Ray Guy Award, recognizing the nation's top collegiate punter, finishing in the top three nationally. Additionally, his senior season ranked second in the NCAA for punting average (46.1 yards) and first in the MAC. At Toledo, Kern set the all-time program record for career punting average (42.3 yards), surpassing the next closest by nearly 1.5 yards, and holds the second-highest single-season average (46.1 yards in ). His career MAC ranking stands at 10th in punting average since 2000. Kern's punting prowess notably influenced field position for the Rockets, particularly in when he downed 17 of 52 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line, limiting return opportunities and contributing to improved defensive starting positions. This standout senior campaign drew interest from NFL scouts, paving the way for his professional opportunities.

Professional career

Denver Broncos (2008–2009)

After going undrafted in the , Brett Kern signed with the as a rookie free agent on April 28, 2008, to a three-year contract worth $1.165 million. His strong college performance at the , where he averaged over 42 yards per punt in his senior year, helped facilitate the opportunity despite not being selected. During training camp under head coach , Kern competed for the starting punter role against incumbents Sam Paulescu and Danny Baugher, ultimately securing the position through consistent distance and placement in practice. As a , he adapted to the professional level by focusing on directional punting to pin opponents deep, a skill honed in but tested against faster returners. In his debut season, Kern appeared in all 16 games, recording 46 punts for 2,150 yards with a gross of 46.7 yards per punt. Notable performances included a 56.0-yard on two punts against the in Week 12, where he helped limit field position, and four punts inside the 20-yard line versus the in Week 13, contributing to a defensive stand in a 19-13 win. Overall, his net of 37.8 yards per punt ranked respectably for a first-year specialist, aiding the Broncos' 8-8 finish amid Shanahan's final season. Entering 2009 under new head coach , Kern retained the starting role but faced increased scrutiny after the team's 6-0 start. He played in the first six games, punting 27 times for 1,245 yards at a 46.1-yard gross average, including a career-high eight punts for 340 yards in the season opener against the . However, inconsistencies in net punting—such as a low 15.5 net yards per punt in Week 6 against the —prompted the Broncos to waive him on October 26, 2009, in favor of veteran Mitch Berger. This move came amid Denver's push for playoff contention, ending Kern's brief tenure with the team after 22 games.

Tennessee Titans (2009–2016)

Brett Kern was claimed off waivers by the from the on October 27, 2009, following his release by Denver earlier that week, providing the Titans with an immediate solution at punter after A.J. Trapasso's inconsistent . He quickly established himself as the team's primary punter, appearing in 10 games that season and finishing with 37 punts for 1,665 yards, averaging 45.0 yards per punt, including 18 inside the opponent's 20-yard line. Over the next seven full seasons, Kern maintained a steady role, punting in every game from 2010 to 2016 and demonstrating reliability in field position battles. Kern's value to the Titans was underscored by key contract extensions that reflected his consistency. In February 2011, he signed a four-year, $5.2 million deal, securing his position through the 2014 season. Following another strong year, the Titans extended him again in March 2015 with a five-year, $15 million contract, making him one of the highest-paid punters in the NFL at the time and committing him to the team through 2019. His performance during this period featured consistent gross punting averages between 43.4 and 47.6 yards, with notable seasons like 2012 (47.6 yards average, 30 punts inside the 20) and 2015 (47.4 yards average, only one touchback and 34 inside the 20), often pinning opponents deep to aid the Titans' defense. Amid multiple coaching transitions, Kern provided stability for the Titans' special teams unit. coached through the 2010 season, after which took over from 2011 to 2013, followed by in 2014 and 2015, and beginning in 2016. Despite these changes and the team's varying records, Kern remained a constant, with no selections during this span but earning recognition for his directional punting and hang time that limited return opportunities.

Tennessee Titans (2017–2019)

In 2017, Kern earned his first selection after leading the in net punting average with 44.6 yards per punt, while posting a gross average of 49.7 yards on 75 punts, including 28 placed inside the 20-yard line. He also received second-team honors that year, capping a season where the Titans' special teams unit ranked among the league's best in field position control. Building on his consistent performance from earlier years with the Titans, Kern maintained elite production in 2018 under new head coach , securing his second consecutive nod with a 47.1-yard gross average and 41.7 net average on 74 punts, highlighted by a league-leading 52.7% of punts downed inside the 20-yard line. His efforts contributed to the Titans' improved special teams rankings and a wild-card playoff berth, where Kern's directional punting helped limit opponents' starting field position. In March 2019, ahead of the season, the Titans rewarded his reliability with a four-year contract extension worth $12.55 million, including a $2.2 million , securing him through 2022. Kern's peak continued in 2019 with his third straight appearance and first-team recognition, as he averaged 47.1 yards gross and 43.1 net on 78 punts, pinning 47.4% inside the 20.

Tennessee Titans (2020–2022)

In 2020, Kern continued to provide reliable punting for the as they achieved an 11–5 record and won the division title for the first time since 2002. He appeared in 13 games, recording 37 punts for 1,695 yards with a gross average of 45.8 yards per punt and a net average of 41.5 yards, including 22 punts inside the 20-yard line. However, Kern suffered a injury during a Week 8 loss to the on November 1, which led to his placement on injured reserve on November 7; he was activated on November 28 and returned to contribute in the team's final five regular-season games. During the 2021 season, Kern maintained solid performance amid the Titans' continued success, as the team finished 12–5, clinched the AFC's No. 1 seed, and again captured the AFC South. He appeared in 14 games, missing three due to a groin injury and COVID-19, and punted 47 times for 2,105 yards, averaging 44.8 yards gross and 40.4 yards net, with 18 inside the 20-yard line, helping to support the team's field position strategy during their divisional contention. Kern's tenure with the Titans concluded in 2022 after 13 seasons, the longest of any player on the roster at the time of his release. On August 29, following competition with rookie —who ultimately won the punting job—Kern was informed of his release as part of the team's final roster cuts to reach the 53-player limit, saving approximately $2.2 million in space. Upon the news, Kern expressed deep gratitude for the organization and its fans, highlighting his loyalty and the meaningful relationships built over his extended stay in Nashville.

Philadelphia Eagles (2022)

On December 13, 2022, following an ankle injury to starting punter during the Week 14 victory over the , the signed veteran punter Brett Kern to their . Kern, who had been released by the in late August after losing a training camp competition to rookie , provided a reliable option amid the special teams uncertainty. His addition was facilitated by prior connections, including friendships between his father and Eagles Sirianni's father, both from , which eased his integration into the team dynamic. Kern was elevated from the practice squad for the final four regular-season games, serving as the primary punter while Siposs remained sidelined. In those appearances—against the (Week 15), (Week 16), (Week 17), and (Week 18)—he recorded 10 punts for 408 yards, averaging 40.8 yards per punt. His contributions helped stabilize the Eagles' special teams unit during a crucial late-season stretch, where secured the NFC's top seed with a 14-3 record under Sirianni's leadership, emphasizing disciplined execution and resilience. Kern continued his role into the , punting in the Eagles' Wild Card win over the Giants (3 punts, 129 yards, 43.0 average) and NFC Championship victory against the (4 punts, 180 yards, 45.0 average), aiding the team's advance to . He was inactive for the Super Bowl loss to the , as Siposs returned from injury, but Kern later reflected on the camaraderie and high-energy environment under Sirianni as a rewarding capstone to his career.

Retirement

Announcement

On June 1, 2023, Brett Kern announced his retirement from the after a 15-year career, marking the end of his professional playing days that began as an undrafted out of the in 2008. The announcement was made through the ' official website and social media channels, where Kern reflected on his journey from a rookie with the to a seasoned veteran who spent the majority of his tenure with the Titans. In his statements during a at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville, Kern expressed deep gratitude to the teams that employed him, particularly the Titans, as well as to coaches, teammates, and his family for their support throughout his career. He highlighted the emotional process of preparing his retirement speech, noting the abundance of memories and the profound sense of appreciation for the opportunities he received, describing his time with the Titans as "a ." Kern did not disclose any immediate post-retirement plans, instead emphasizing the closure of one chapter and the beginning of another. Media coverage of the announcement underscored Kern's longevity and financial success in the league, with reports noting his career earnings of approximately $29.3 million, ranking sixth all-time among NFL punters. Outlets also highlighted his 1,006 regular-season punts, which placed him 25th in history at the time of retirement, as a testament to his durability following a brief stint with the in 2022.

Post-retirement reflections

Following his retirement announcement in June 2023, Kern has shared in interviews that prioritizing family became a central focus after 15 seasons marked by extensive travel and training commitments. He described the decision as straightforward, noting the sacrifices his wife Tiffany and children—Bryce, Anelle, and Quinn—endured, and expressed eagerness to attend their events like games while pursuing personal interests such as . In a 2024 podcast appearance, Kern reflected on his career with gratitude toward his , emphasizing the role it played in sustaining him through 15 professional seasons, including reaching the with the . He highlighted the rarity of achieving three consecutive selections from 2017 to 2019 as a punter, viewing it as a significant blessing after a decade without such recognition. Kern's connection to his college roots resurfaced during a 2025 visit to the University of Toledo's , where he returned with his family to revisit the site of his proposal to Tiffany on the 50-yard line. Describing the trip as "pretty crazy" and "really special," he noted the emotional weight of sharing memories of campus life and Glass Bowl games with his three children, underscoring Toledo's enduring place in their hearts after 20 years. Assessing his career highlights, Kern expressed pride in his consistency, crediting meticulous drills for enabling precise punts that set franchise records, including the most punts (923), gross punting average (45.9 yards), net punting average (40.8 yards), and punts inside the 20-yard line (373). He voiced no regrets about the timing of his , cherishing standout moments like the 2019 playoff run against the .

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Brett Kern's regular season punting career spanned 15 seasons from 2008 to 2022, during which he recorded 1,006 punts for 46,136 yards, achieving a gross average of 45.9 yards per punt and a net average of 40.7 yards per punt. These totals reflect his role as a reliable specialist, with 396 punts landing inside the opponent's 20-yard line, 58 touchbacks, and 5 blocked punts across his tenure with the , , and . Kern's statistics varied by team, with the bulk of his production occurring during his 13 seasons with the Titans. For the Broncos, he punted 73 times for 3,395 yards (46.5 gross average, 37.0 net average), including 22 inside-20 punts and 10 touchbacks. With the Titans, he amassed 923 punts for 42,333 yards (45.9 gross, 40.9 net), with 373 inside-20 efforts, 48 touchbacks, and all 5 of his career blocked punts. His brief stint with the Eagles in 2022 featured 10 punts for 408 yards (40.8 gross, 36.6 net), with 1 inside-20 and no touchbacks. The following table summarizes Kern's regular season punting performance by year, highlighting key metrics and team affiliation:
YearTeamGPuntsYardsGross AvgNet AvgInside 20LongestTouchbacksBlocked
2008DEN16462,15046.737.8136440
2009DEN/TEN16642,91045.538.52767100
2010TEN16773,30242.939.1246240
2011TEN16863,74743.639.4316570
2012TEN16813,85547.640.4307052
2013TEN16783,38643.439.7326221
2014TEN16884,11846.840.8287971
2015TEN16884,17547.440.3347010
2016TEN16773,40244.238.6326640
2017TEN16753,72849.744.6287050
2018TEN16743,48347.141.7396731
2019TEN16783,67247.143.1376220
2020TEN13371,69545.841.5225930
2021TEN14472,10544.840.4186410
2022PHI41040840.836.615300
Career3TM2231,00646,13645.940.739679585
(Data compiled from Pro-Football-Reference.com) Kern's punting averages showed a clear upward trend after his early years, with gross averages consistently exceeding 45 yards from 2012 onward and peaking at a league-leading 49.7 in 2017. His net average followed suit, improving from the mid-30s in his Broncos tenure to the low-40s during his Titans prime, reflecting better hang time and directional kicking that minimized returns. He ranked in the top 10 for net punting average in multiple seasons, including first in 2017 (44.6), third in 2019 (43.1), and fifth in 2018 (41.7). Touchbacks remained low throughout, averaging under 1 per 15 punts career-wide, while his inside-20 rate hovered around 39%, contributing to advantageous field position for his teams in competitive seasons like 2018 and 2019. The five blocked punts, all with the Titans, occurred sporadically and did not significantly impact his overall reliability.

Postseason

Brett Kern appeared in nine postseason games across his NFL career, five with the in three playoff appearances from 2017 to 2020 and two with the in 2022, recording 41 punts for 1,879 total yards and a gross average of 45.8 yards per punt. His postseason efforts emphasized directional punting to flip field position, with only one in total, though he placed just six punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line (14.6%). With the Titans, Kern punted 34 times over five playoff games, averaging 46.0 yards per punt and contributing to field position edges in upset victories during the 2017 and postseasons. In the 2017 wild-card win over the , his three punts for 131 yards (43.7 average) helped limit the Chiefs' starting field position, supporting Tennessee's 22-21 victory. A standout moment came in the 2019 wild-card game against the , where Kern's 58-yard punt pinned the Patriots at their own 1-yard line, leading to a and aiding the Titans' 20-13 upset win. During that playoff run, which advanced to the AFC Championship, Kern's 10 punts averaged an impressive 51.1 yards with no touchbacks, consistently pushing opponents deep with at least one inside-20 placement. In the 2020 wild-card loss to the , his five punts for 228 yards (45.6 average) provided solid field position in a low-scoring affair. Kern's postseason form with the Titans carried over elements of his regular-season consistency in avoiding touchbacks while prioritizing distance in high-pressure situations. In the 2022 playoffs with the Eagles, Kern handled punting duties during their run to , appearing in the divisional round and NFC Championship for seven punts totaling 309 yards (44.1 average), while holding returners to just 14 yards on three returns. His three punts inside the 20 in the divisional win over the (43.0 average) helped secure a 38-7 rout by restricting short fields. However, in the NFC Championship victory against the , a controversial 34-yard punt that landed at the 49ers' 40-yard line—allegedly deflected by the wire, though no penalty was called—gave San Francisco favorable position for a early in the game. Kern did not punt in the Eagles' wild-card bye or loss to the Chiefs, as offensive dominance limited special teams opportunities. Overall, Kern's limited but impactful postseason role focused on strategic field position, with his long averages and rare touchbacks underscoring his value in playoff contexts despite fewer inside-20 pins compared to regular-season play.

Records and achievements

Individual honors

Brett Kern earned three consecutive selections from 2017 to 2019, recognizing him as one of the NFL's elite punters during that period. The voting process combines input from fans, players, and coaches, with each group accounting for one-third of the total votes, highlighting Kern's peer and public acclaim for his consistency and field position control. These selections came amid his standout performances with the , where he ranked among the league's top punters in gross and net averages. In addition to his Pro Bowl nods, Kern received Associated Press All-Pro honors, earning second-team recognition in 2017 after leading the NFL in both gross punting average (49.7 yards) and net punting average (44.6 yards). He followed this with first-team All-Pro honors in 2019, selected by a national panel of media members where he garnered 34 votes—more than double the next closest punter—due to his league-leading 37 punts inside the 20-yard line against just two touchbacks. These All-Pro selections, determined solely by AP voters evaluating overall impact, underscored Kern's ability to flip field position effectively without major awards like MVP, though he maintained top-10 rankings in punting metrics across multiple seasons, including fourth in yards per punt in 2014, fifth in 2015, and second in 2019. Kern's individual accolades significantly influenced his career trajectory, culminating in a four-year, $12.55 million contract extension with the Titans in March 2019, shortly after his second appearance, which included a $2.2 million and made him one of the highest-paid punters at the time. This deal reflected the tangible value of his honors in securing and in , where special teams players like punters rarely command such extensions without proven elite status.

Titans franchise records

Brett Kern established numerous punting records during his 13-season tenure with the from 2009 to 2021, becoming the most accomplished punter in franchise history. His longevity and consistency allowed him to accumulate career benchmarks that remain unmatched within the organization. Kern holds the Titans' all-time record for career punts with 923. He also leads in career punt yards, totaling 42,333. Additionally, Kern set the franchise mark for career gross punting average at 45.9 yards and net punting average at 40.8 yards, the latter underscoring his effectiveness in minimizing return opportunities. In terms of single-game achievements, Kern recorded the highest punting yards in a game with 549 on October 8, 2017, against the , averaging 54.9 yards over 10 punts. His longest punt of 79 yards, tying the franchise record previously held by Jim Norton, occurred on December 28, 2014, against the .

Personal life

Family

Brett Kern has been married to Tiffany Kern since 2008. He proposed to her on the 50-yard line at the University of Toledo's stadium following a homecoming victory during his senior year in 2007. Kern is a Christian. The couple has three children: son Bryce Jeremiah and daughters Anelle Naomi and Quinn Eliana. Bryce was born shortly before the family relocated to Nashville in 2009 when Kern signed with the . The Kerns settled in the Nashville area, where their children grew up attending local schools, establishing deep roots in over Kern's 14-year tenure with the Titans. This family stability influenced Kern's career choices, including his reluctance to sign with other teams that would require extended separations, as he prioritized remaining close to his wife and children.

Post-NFL activities

Following his retirement from the in 2023, Brett Kern has prioritized spending quality time with his , including travels that allow him to create lasting memories with his wife and three children. In 2025, he returned to his , the , for a nostalgic visit to the stadium, where he took his family to the 50-yard line—the exact spot where he proposed to his wife years earlier. Kern described the experience as "just really special," highlighting how it blended personal history with family bonding during this phase of life. Kern has embraced as a key interest post-retirement, dedicating time to refining his swing and participating in related events, which aligns with his longstanding passion for the sport developed during his playing days. He has no formal roles in or broadcasting as of 2025, instead focusing on a balanced that includes attending his children's games and other activities. This emphasis on work-life balance reflects his transition to a more family-centered routine without pursuing major business ventures. In terms of , Kern has remained involved with charitable efforts through tournaments, supporting causes tied to his former team. These activities underscore his commitment to giving back, particularly in youth-oriented initiatives, while maintaining a low-profile approach to post-career pursuits.

References

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