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Dustin Colquitt
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Dustin Farr Colquitt (born May 6, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a punter in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers and was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2005 NFL draft. With the Chiefs, he won Super Bowl LIV over the San Francisco 49ers. In addition, he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, and Cleveland Browns.
Key Information
In 2019, he set a Chiefs franchise record for most games played, surpassing former teammate Will Shields.[1]
Early life
[edit]Colquitt is from Knoxville, Tennessee, and played football and soccer at Bearden High School in Knoxville.[2]
College career
[edit]Colquitt accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and played for coach Phillip Fulmer's Tennessee Volunteers football team from 2001 to 2004.[3] As a junior in 2003, he was recognized as a first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection, and a consensus first-team All-American. As a senior in 2004, he again earned first-team All-SEC honors.[4][5]
Professional career
[edit]| Height | Weight | 40-yard dash | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
217 lb (98 kg) |
4.41 s | ||||||||||
| All values from NFL Combine[6][7] | ||||||||||||
Kansas City Chiefs (first stint)
[edit]
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Colquitt in the third round (99th pick overall) of the 2005 NFL draft.[8] He signed a three-year contract worth $1.345 million.[9] As a rookie, he finished with 65 punts for 2,564 total yards for a 39.45 average.[10] In the 2006 season, he finished with 71 punts for 3,145 total yards for a 44.30 average.[11]
During the 2007 NFL season, he set the franchise record for the longest punt with an 81-yard punt.[12] He finished the 2007 season with 95 punts for 4,322 total yards for a 45.49 average.[13] On February 28, 2008, Colquitt was signed to a five-year contract extension worth $8.5 million.[9] In the 2008 season, he had 70 punts for 3,110 total yards for a 44.43 average.[14] Colquitt had career highs during the 2009 NFL season in both punts and punting yards with 96 and 4,361, respectively.[15] His 4,361 punting yards were second to Jim Arnold's 4,397 during the 1984 NFL season.[12] In 2010, he was voted as the winner of the Ed Block Courage Award.[16] In the 2010 season, he finished with 88 punts for 3,908 total yards for a 44.41 average.[17] In the 2011 season, he had 89 punts for 4,084 total yards for a 45.89 average.[18]
In the 2012 season, he had a punting average of 46.8 on 83 punts, the highest he has ever had in a season.[19] From 2005 to 2012, Colquitt had 657 career punts with a 44.7 yard average.[20] Colquitt was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2012.[21] On March 5, 2013, Colquitt signed a five-year contract extension worth $18.75 million, with $8.9 million guaranteed, making him the NFL's highest paid punter.[22] In the 2013 season, he had 87 punts for 4,005 total yards for a 46.03 average.[23] In the 2014 season, he had 71 punts for 3,164 total yards for a 44.56 average.[24] In Week 11 of the 2015 season, he won AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.[25] In the 2015 season, he had 75 punts for 3,333 total yards for a 44.44 average.[26]
In 2016, Colquitt was named to his second Pro Bowl after fellow punter Pat McAfee declined to play due to an injury.[27] He finished the 2016 season with 76 punts for 3,427 total yards for a 45.09 average.[28] During the 2017 NFL season, he became the Chiefs all-time leader in both punts and punting yards passing Jerrel Wilson.[12] He finished the 2017 season with 65 punts for 2,936 total yards for a 45.17 average.[29] On March 15, 2018, Colquitt signed a three-year contract extension with the Chiefs.[30] In the 2018 season, he had 45 punts for 2,021 total yards for a 44.91 average.[31] In the 2019 season, Colquitt had 48 punts for 2,126 total yards for a 44.29 average.[32] He played in and won his first Super Bowl after the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31–20.[33]
Colquitt was released on April 28, 2020.[34] In his 15 seasons with the Chiefs, he set multiple team records including being tied with fellow punter Jerrel Wilson for the longest tenured player in franchise history.[35]
Pittsburgh Steelers
[edit]Colquitt signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 7, 2020.[36] He was released on October 23.[37] He played in five games with the Steelers.[38]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
[edit]On December 18, 2020, Colquitt signed with the practice squad of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[39]
Jacksonville Jaguars
[edit]Colquitt was signed off the Buccaneers' practice squad by the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 24, 2020.[40] He was waived on January 5, 2021.[41] He played in one game with the Jaguars in the 2020 season.[42]
Kansas City Chiefs (second stint)
[edit]On January 7, 2021, right before the playoffs, Colquitt signed with the practice squad of the Chiefs.[43] His practice squad contract with the team expired after the season on February 16, 2021.[44]
Atlanta Falcons
[edit]Colquitt signed with Atlanta Falcons' practice squad on September 21, 2021.[45] He was promoted to the active roster on October 5.[46] After missing two games due to COVID-19, he was released on December 6 in favor of Thomas Morstead.[47] He played in six games for the Falcons in the 2021 season.[48]
Cleveland Browns
[edit]Colquitt was signed by the Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2021.[49] He played in five games for the Browns in the 2021 season.[50]
Colquitt announced his retirement on June 4, 2025, after 17 seasons.
NFL career statistics
[edit]| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Won the Super Bowl | |
| Bold | Career high |
| Year | Team | GP | Punting | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punts | Yards | Avg | Lng | Blk | |||
| 2005 | KC | 16 | 65 | 2,564 | 39.4 | 62 | 0 |
| 2006 | KC | 16 | 71 | 3,145 | 44.3 | 72 | 0 |
| 2007 | KC | 16 | 95 | 4,322 | 45.5 | 81 | 1 |
| 2008 | KC | 14 | 70 | 3,110 | 44.4 | 73 | 0 |
| 2009 | KC | 16 | 96 | 4,361 | 45.4 | 70 | 1 |
| 2010 | KC | 16 | 88 | 3,908 | 44.4 | 72 | 1 |
| 2011 | KC | 16 | 89 | 4,084 | 45.9 | 68 | 0 |
| 2012 | KC | 16 | 83 | 3,887 | 46.8 | 71 | 0 |
| 2013 | KC | 16 | 87 | 4,005 | 46.0 | 65 | 1 |
| 2014 | KC | 16 | 71 | 3,164 | 44.6 | 69 | 0 |
| 2015 | KC | 16 | 75 | 3,333 | 44.4 | 62 | 0 |
| 2016 | KC | 16 | 76 | 3,427 | 45.1 | 64 | 0 |
| 2017 | KC | 16 | 65 | 2,936 | 45.2 | 77 | 0 |
| 2018 | KC | 16 | 45 | 2,021 | 44.9 | 67 | 0 |
| 2019 | KC | 16 | 48 | 2,126 | 44.3 | 68 | 1 |
| 2020 | PIT | 5 | 20 | 861 | 43.0 | 59 | 0 |
| JAX | 1 | 6 | 272 | 45.3 | 53 | 0 | |
| 2021 | ATL | 6 | 23 | 1,096 | 47.7 | 66 | 0 |
| CLE | 5 | 25 | 1,038 | 41.5 | 56 | 0 | |
| Career | 255 | 1,198 | 53,660 | 44.8 | 81 | 5 | |
Accomplishments
[edit]- Chiefs franchise record for longest punt (81 yards, 2007)[51]
- Chiefs franchise record for games played by any position (238)
- Chiefs franchise record for seasons played (15, tied)[52]
- Chiefs franchise record for punting yards (50,393)[53]
- Chiefs franchise record for punts (1,124)[53]
- Chiefs franchise record most punts downed inside of the 20 (483)[53]
Personal life
[edit]Colquitt is married with five children.[54] Colquitt comes from a family with a distinguished lineage of punters, including his father Craig, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1978 to 1984. His younger brother Britton also played for Tennessee, as did his cousin Jimmy.[55] After winning Super Bowl LIV, Colquitt became the third member of his family to win a Super Bowl (Craig won XIII and XIV, Britton won 50 with the Broncos).
Colquitt is a co-founder of TeamSmile, an organization that offers free dental care to underserved children.[57] Colquitt was picked to be the Chiefs nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2009 and 2018.[58]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Goldman, Charles (September 22, 2019). "Dustin Colquitt sets Chiefs franchise record for most games played". Chiefs Wire. USA Today. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ Pinchevsky, Tal (November 11, 2014). "The Colquitts, Football's First Family of Fourth Down". Sports. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2017.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on November 15, 2017. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt is on pace to become the greatest punter of all time". Arrowhead Pride. SB Nation. June 21, 2018. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "Alabama's Wesley Britt is first-team All-SEC pick". The Tuscaloosa News. July 23, 2004. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt, Tennessee, P, 2005 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football". draftscout.com. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt 2005 NFL Draft Profile". insider.espn.com. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
- ^ "2005 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
- ^ a b "Dustin Colquitt Contract and Earnings". Spoctrac.com. January 11, 2017. Archived from the original on January 12, 2018. Retrieved January 11, 2018.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt 2005 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt 2006 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Kansas City Chiefs Career Kicking and Punting Leaders". Pro Football Reference. January 11, 2017. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 11, 2018.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt 2007 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt 2008 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt 2009 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ Thorman, Joel (December 30, 2010). "Kansas City Chiefs Ed Block Courage Award Recipient Is Dustin Colquitt". Arrowhead Pride. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt 2010 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt 2011 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt 2012 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt Career Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ Gotta, Griffin (December 27, 2012). "Dustin Colquitt broke Chiefs' team record in 2012". SB Nation Kansas City. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt's Kansas City Chiefs contract worth $18.75M". NFL.com. March 4, 2013. Archived from the original on March 8, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt 2013 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt 2014 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "2015 NFL Week 11 Leaders & Scores". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt 2015 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ Paylor, Terez A. (January 11, 2018). "Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt treasures Pro Bowl experience". The Kansas City Star. Archived from the original on January 12, 2018. Retrieved January 11, 2018.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt 2016 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt 2017 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ Alper, Josh (March 15, 2018). "Dustin Colquitt signs on for three more years in K.C." NBC Sports. Archived from the original on January 30, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt 2018 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt 2019 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "Super Bowl LIV - San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs - February 2nd, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Goldman, Charles (April 28, 2020). "Chiefs make release of punter Dustin Colquitt official". Chiefs Wire. USA Today. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ "Chiefs Release Punter Dustin Colquitt". Chiefs.com. April 28, 2020. Archived from the original on April 30, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
- ^ "Steelers sign veteran punter". Steelers.com. September 7, 2020. Archived from the original on September 7, 2020. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
- ^ "Steelers Release Punter Dustin Colquitt". CBS - Pittsburgh. October 23, 2020. Retrieved October 4, 2023 – via KDKA-TV News Staff.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt 2020 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ Smith, Scott (December 18, 2020). "Bucs Elevate Two from Practice Squad, Sign Punter and Long-Snapper". Buccaneers.com. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
- ^ Alper, Josh (December 24, 2020). "Jaguars sign Dustin Colquitt off Buccaneers practice squad". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports.
- ^ Bouda, Nate (January 5, 2021). "Jaguars Waive P Dustin Colquitt, Activate OL Ben Bartch". NFLTradeRumors.co. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ "2020 Jacksonville Jaguars Roster & Players". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ Williams, Charean (January 7, 2021). "Chiefs sign Dustin Colquitt to practice squad". NBC Sports. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
- ^ "Six reserves see contracts expire". FantasyGuru.com. February 16, 2021. Archived from the original on March 6, 2021. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
- ^ McElhaney, Tori (September 21, 2021). "What Falcons signing punter Dustin Colquitt to the practice squad means". AtlantaFalcons.com. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Bair, Scott (October 5, 2021). "Isaiah Oliver headed to injured reserve with knee injury". AtlantaFalcons.com. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ McElhaney, Tori (December 6, 2021). "Falcons roster moves: Making room for Hayden Hurst's possible return, a punter emerges". AtlantaFalcons.com. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt 2021 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ Risdon, Jeff (December 10, 2021). "Browns sign P Dustin Colquitt to the active roster with Jamie Gillan on reserve/COVID-19 list". Browns Wire. USA Today. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ "2021 Cleveland Browns Roster & Players". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "Kansas City Chiefs Career Punting Leaders". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ "Most seasons played for the Kansas City Chiefs, NFL history". StatMuse. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Kansas City Chiefs Career Punting Leaders". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
- ^ Sweeney, Pete (May 12, 2015). "Five Things to Know About Dustin Colquitt". Kansas City Chiefs. Archived from the original on March 16, 2016. Retrieved November 15, 2017.
- ^ "Colquitt Brothers Take Their Punting Seriously". The New York Times. Associated Press. November 13, 2010. Archived from the original on April 21, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
- ^ Ellis, Christian (February 1, 2019). "'I Want Them to See the Power of God': These 3 Christians Are up for NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award". CBN. Archived from the original on February 5, 2019. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
- ^ McMullen, Matt (October 24, 2018). "Dustin Colquitt's "TeamSmile" Provides Free Dental Care to Local Kids at Arrowhead". Chiefs.com. Archived from the original on October 25, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
- ^ "Dustin Colquitt Named Chiefs Nominee for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Honor Presented by Nationwide for Second Time". Chiefs.com. December 6, 2018. Archived from the original on December 6, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
External links
[edit]- Dustin Colquitt on Twitter
- Career statistics from NFL.com · ESPN · Yahoo Sports · Pro Football Reference
- Tennessee Volunteers bio
Dustin Colquitt
View on GrokipediaEarly years
Family background
Dustin Colquitt was born on May 6, 1982, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to parents Craig Colquitt and Anne Colquitt.[1][12] His father, Craig, was a professional punter who played in the National Football League from 1978 to 1987, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers—where he contributed to two Super Bowl victories—and briefly with the Indianapolis Colts.[13] This paternal legacy established a deep family tradition in punting, with Colquitt's younger brother, Britton Colquitt, also pursuing an NFL career as a punter for teams including the Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Minnesota Vikings. Additionally, his cousin Jimmy Colquitt had a short NFL tenure as a punter for the Seattle Seahawks in 1985, following a college career at the University of Tennessee. Growing up in a household steeped in football heritage, Colquitt benefited from the Colquitt family's multigenerational emphasis on the special teams role, tracing back to his grandfather Lester Colquitt, an all-state high school punter in Tennessee who later coached and worked as a detective.[14] His father's post-NFL involvement in punting camps and backyard training sessions provided hands-on instruction in fundamentals, fostering a disciplined approach to the sport from an early age.[15] Anne Colquitt played a supportive role in this environment, encouraging her son to explore football despite his initial preference for soccer, which helped instill athletic perseverance and family-oriented work ethic.[16] The Colquitt home in Knoxville emphasized routine practice and storytelling about family football exploits, creating an atmosphere where punting was both a skill and a shared bond; this early immersion, tied to the University of Tennessee through his father's playing days there from 1975 to 1977, naturally shaped Colquitt's foundational interest in the game.[14][17]High school career
Dustin Colquitt attended Bearden High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, graduating in the class of 2000. A multi-sport athlete, he primarily competed in soccer as a goalkeeper throughout his high school tenure but also joined the football team as a punter during his senior year in 1999, stepping in after the regular kicker suffered an injury two weeks before the season opener.[18][19] In football, Colquitt quickly adapted to the punting role, averaging nearly 40 yards per punt and earning All-Region honors as a senior.[7] His performance showcased the early development of his kicking skills, influenced by a family legacy of elite punters that included his father, Craig Colquitt, a former University of Tennessee and NFL standout. On the soccer field, Colquitt excelled as a goalkeeper, earning All-State honors for his defensive contributions and leadership.[7] Colquitt's versatility across sports, combined with his emerging punting talent and familial ties to Tennessee football, drew the attention of college recruiters. Despite receiving no initial recruiting stars or scholarship offers coming out of high school, he committed to the University of Tennessee, where he continued the Colquitt punting tradition.[7]College career
Colquitt enrolled at the University of Tennessee in 2001, where he played for the Volunteers football team from 2001 to 2004 under head coach Phillip Fulmer and quarterbacks coach Randy Sanders. As a third-generation punter in his family to play for Tennessee, he quickly adapted to the collegiate level, contributing to the team's special teams unit during a period when the Volunteers competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and achieved notable success, including SEC East division titles in 2001 and 2003.[20] In his freshman year of 2001, Colquitt appeared in 12 games, handling punting duties with 51 punts for 2,020 yards and an average of 39.6 yards per punt, earning Freshman All-SEC honors from the league coaches. His sophomore season in 2002 saw further development, as he recorded 65 punts for 2,833 yards at a 43.6-yard average, including several long punts up to 68 yards; he was selected as a second-team All-SEC punter by the Associated Press and became a finalist for the Ray Guy Award.[8][21][22] Colquitt emerged as the full-time starter in his junior year of 2003, delivering a standout performance with 68 punts for 3,081 yards and a 45.3-yard average that led the SEC and ranked sixth nationally; he also placed 19 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line while booming 19 punts of 50 or more yards. These efforts earned him consensus All-American honors, first-team All-SEC selection, and a second consecutive Ray Guy Award finalist nod, along with two SEC Special Teams Player of the Week awards. As a senior in 2004, he maintained consistency with 56 punts for 2,282 yards at a 40.8-yard average, securing second-team All-SEC honors from both the Associated Press and coaches, and reaching the Ray Guy Award semifinals for the third straight year. By the Cotton Bowl Classic on January 2, 2005—his final college game—Colquitt had broken Tennessee records with 52 games played and 51 starts as a punter.[8][20][23][20] Over his four-year college career, Colquitt amassed 240 punts for 10,216 yards with a 42.6-yard average, establishing school records for total punts and punting yards while ranking second in career punting average; these marks underscored his reliability and impact on Tennessee's field position strategy.[8][20]Professional career
Kansas City Chiefs (first stint, 2005–2019)
Dustin Colquitt was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round (99th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee.[1] As a rookie in 2005, he secured the starting punter role and appeared in all 16 games, recording 65 punts for 2,564 yards with a gross average of 39.4 yards per punt.[24] His family's punting heritage, including his father and uncle who both played in the NFL, aided his quick adjustment to the professional level.[25] Colquitt remained a consistent starter for the Chiefs over the next 14 seasons, evolving into one of the league's most reliable punters. In 2012, he achieved a career-high gross punting average of 46.8 yards on 83 punts for 3,887 yards, earning his first Pro Bowl selection that year and a second in 2016.[1] Key highlights during his tenure included setting the franchise record for the longest punt at 81 yards in 2007 and contributing to the Chiefs' playoff run in the 2019 season, where he punted in postseason games en route to a Super Bowl LIV victory over the San Francisco 49ers.[10] Over his 15 seasons with the Chiefs from 2005 to 2019, Colquitt appeared in 238 games, amassing 1,124 punts for 50,393 yards with a 44.8-yard gross average.[10] He solidified his status as the franchise's premier punter by outperforming competitors in training camp and signing multiple contract extensions, including a five-year deal worth $18.75 million in 2013 and a three-year, $7.5 million agreement in 2018, which underscored his value to the team's special teams unit.[26][27]Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020)
Following his release from the Kansas City Chiefs on April 28, 2020, Dustin Colquitt signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 7, 2020, as a free agent to bolster their special teams unit.[28][29] Colquitt appeared in five games for the Steelers during the 2020 regular season, handling punting duties with 20 punts for 861 yards, averaging 43.1 yards per punt.[1] His stint provided veteran stability amid the league's COVID-19 protocols, which expanded practice squads and increased roster flexibility to manage potential absences from testing and outbreaks.[30] Colquitt's time with Pittsburgh ended abruptly when he was released on October 22, 2020, as the team turned to younger options amid ongoing competition at the position. The Steelers had initially signed him over incumbent punter Jordan Berry, who was released the same day Colquitt joined but was re-signed the following day after Colquitt's departure, highlighting the fluid dynamics driven by performance evaluations and the disruptions of the pandemic-shortened offseason.[31] On December 18, 2020, Colquitt joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad as depth behind starting punter Bradley Pinion, who handled all regular-season punting duties with 68 punts for 2,912 yards.[32][33] Colquitt did not see action in any regular-season games with the Buccaneers, remaining on the practice squad through the end of the year.[1] Despite Tampa Bay's successful playoff run culminating in a victory in Super Bowl LV on February 7, 2021, Colquitt was not elevated for postseason play, limiting his involvement to non-game preparation roles amid the team's reliance on Pinion's consistent performance.[33]Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs (second stint), and Atlanta Falcons (2021)
Colquitt entered the 2021 offseason following his brief appearance with the Jacksonville Jaguars during the prior season, but the team waived him on January 5, 2021, as they adjusted their roster ahead of the playoffs.[34] Just two days later, on January 7, 2021, he rejoined the Kansas City Chiefs by signing to their practice squad, marking a short second stint with the organization that had drafted him 15 years earlier and where he had spent the bulk of his career.[35] This move provided Colquitt an opportunity to remain active in the league during the immediate postseason period, though he did not see game action during this time.[36] After his Chiefs practice squad contract expired without further elevation, Colquitt signed to the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad on September 21, 2021, amid the team's need for depth at punter following inconsistent early-season performances by their incumbent.[37] He was promoted to the active roster on October 4, 2021, stepping in as the primary punter.[38] Over the next six games (Weeks 5 through 11), Colquitt handled punting duties effectively, registering 23 punts for 1,096 yards with an average of 47.7 yards per punt, including seven inside the 20-yard line and one touchback.[39] His efforts contributed to improved field position for Atlanta's defense, highlighted by a career-long 66-yard punt against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 10.[39] Colquitt's tenure with the Falcons was interrupted when he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on November 21, 2021.[40] He returned briefly but was waived on December 6, 2021, as the team turned to another option for the stretch run.[41] These transitions underscored Colquitt's persistence in pursuing playing opportunities at age 39, navigating a competitive landscape where veteran specialists faced heightened scrutiny amid younger talents emerging across the league. Building on his mobility from the 2020 season, this fragmented early-2021 path across teams reflected his ongoing effort to extend his NFL career.Cleveland Browns (2021)
In December 2021, the Cleveland Browns signed veteran punter Dustin Colquitt to their 53-man roster as a temporary replacement for Jamie Gillan, who had been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.[42][43] Colquitt, who had already appeared for three other teams earlier that season following his release from the Kansas City Chiefs, debuted with the Browns in Week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens.[39] He went on to play in the team's final five games, providing stability to the special teams unit during a critical late-season stretch that included victories over the Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals.[44] During his brief stint with Cleveland, Colquitt handled 25 punts for 1,038 gross yards, averaging 41.5 yards per punt, with six punts landing inside the opponent's 20-yard line.[39] His performance included a long punt of 56 yards, and he contributed to field position advantages in key matchups, such as pinning opponents deep in Weeks 14 and 17.[39] At age 39, Colquitt expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating after his signing that he woke up thankful to be part of the team and ready to contribute immediately.[45] Colquitt's final NFL game came in Week 18 on January 9, 2022, a 42-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he punted four times for 150 yards.[39] He was released by the Browns in March 2022 following Gillan's return from injury, marking the end of his active playing career after 17 NFL seasons.[44][46]Retirement (2025)
Following his release from the Cleveland Browns after the 2021 season, Colquitt entered free agency and did not sign with any NFL team through the 2024 season.[1] On June 4, 2025, Colquitt signed a one-day contract with the Kansas City Chiefs to officially retire as a member of the organization after 17 NFL seasons, allowing him to conclude his career where he spent the majority of his professional tenure.[47][11] The retirement was marked by a press conference at the Chiefs' facility, where Colquitt expressed deep gratitude for his career, crediting the support of coaches, teammates, and the organization for his longevity and success, while emphasizing his unwavering loyalty to the Chiefs.[48][49] The event was attended by former coaches and teammates, providing an opportunity for Colquitt to reconnect and reflect on shared memories.[47] In the immediate aftermath, Colquitt's post-retirement focus has centered on family time and expanding involvement in Chiefs-related philanthropy initiatives.[50] As of November 2025, he has not pursued broadcasting or executive positions in the NFL.[50] This ceremonial return was prompted by Colquitt's cumulative achievements, including franchise records for games played and contribution to their Super Bowl LIV appearance and victory with the Chiefs.[47]Career statistics and accomplishments
Punting statistics
Dustin Colquitt's NFL punting career spanned 17 seasons from 2005 to 2021, during which he recorded 1,198 punts for 53,660 yards, achieving a gross average of 44.8 yards per punt and a net average of 39.9 yards per punt.[1] He registered 94 touchbacks and placed 503 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line, with his longest punt reaching 81 yards.[1] Key seasonal performances highlighted Colquitt's consistency and peaks. As a rookie in 2005 with the Kansas City Chiefs, he averaged 39.4 yards per punt over 65 attempts.[1] In 2012, he posted a career-high gross average of 46.8 yards per punt, earning Pro Bowl selection after 83 punts for 3,887 yards.[1] Another Pro Bowl year came in 2016, with a 45.1-yard average on 76 punts for 3,427 yards.[1] The following table summarizes Colquitt's regular-season punting statistics by year, focusing on punts, yards, gross average, and longest punt:| Year | Team(s) | Punts | Yards | Avg | Longest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | KC | 65 | 2,564 | 39.4 | 62 |
| 2006 | KC | 71 | 3,145 | 44.3 | 72 |
| 2007 | KC | 95 | 4,322 | 45.5 | 81 |
| 2008 | KC | 70 | 3,110 | 44.4 | 73 |
| 2009 | KC | 96 | 4,361 | 45.4 | 70 |
| 2010 | KC | 88 | 3,908 | 44.4 | 72 |
| 2011 | KC | 89 | 4,084 | 45.9 | 68 |
| 2012 | KC | 83 | 3,887 | 46.8 | 71 |
| 2013 | KC | 87 | 4,005 | 46.0 | 65 |
| 2014 | KC | 71 | 3,164 | 44.6 | 69 |
| 2015 | KC | 75 | 3,333 | 44.4 | 62 |
| 2016 | KC | 76 | 3,427 | 45.1 | 64 |
| 2017 | KC | 65 | 2,936 | 45.2 | 77 |
| 2018 | KC | 45 | 2,021 | 44.9 | 67 |
| 2019 | KC | 48 | 2,126 | 44.3 | 68 |
| 2020 | PIT | 26 | 1,133 | 43.6 | 59 |
| 2021 | JAX/ATL/CLE | 48 | 2,134 | 44.5 | 66 |
| Career | - | 1,198 | 53,660 | 44.8 | 81 |
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