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Ryan Stonehouse
Ryan Stonehouse
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Ryan Matthew Stonehouse (born May 11, 1999) is an American professional football punter. He played college football for the Colorado State Rams and signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2022.[1]

Key Information

Stonehouse currently holds the NCAA FBS and Mountain West Conference records for highest career average yards per punt,[2] as well as the NFL single-season record for average yards per punt.[3]

Early life

[edit]

Stonehouse was born on May 11, 1999, in San Dimas, California to parents Natalie Banks and Paul Stonehouse. His father, Paul, was a punter for Stanford from 1989 to 1992. Two of his uncles were also Division I punters: John Stonehouse (USC, 1992–95) and Jeff Banks (Washington State, 1996–97).[4]

Stonehouse attended Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California. In 2016, he helped his Mater Dei team to a 13–1 record and a deep CIF playoff run, losing in the semi-finals to St. John Bosco.[5] Stonehouse was named a Blue & Grey All-American[6] and was named to the 2016 L.A. Times All-Star football team, among other awards.[7] He also participated in the Kohl's Kicking 2016 Western Winter Showcase and was rated as a five-star punter.[8]

Stonehouse was officially rated as a three-star recruit and the third best punter prospect in the class of 2017 by 247Sports.com.[9]

College career

[edit]
Stonehouse with Colorado State in 2019

Stonehouse received 11 total offers from NCAA Division I schools. On February 14, 2017, he accepted a scholarship offer from Colorado State over offers from Arizona, Cal, Cornell, Eastern Washington, Illinois, Tennessee, Toledo, Utah State, UTSA, and Wyoming.[10]

As a freshman in 2017, Stonehouse was named to the Ray Guy Award watch list, as well as receiving an All-Mountain West honorable mention.[11] Stonehouse was one of five true freshman to play in every game; he punted 46 times in 13 games and ranked fifth in the country with a 45.9-yard punt average.[12]

As a sophomore in 2018, Stonehouse played in all 12 games and finished second in the FBS with a 48.3-yard punt average.[13] He punted 65 times for a total 3,140 yards, placing 18 punts within the 20-yard line. Stonehouse was selected to the 2018 All-Mountain West first team,[14] as well as being named to the 2018 Sporting News All-American second team.[15]

As a junior in 2019, Stonehouse was named to the All-Mountain West first team for the second consecutive year after punting 49 times for 2,274 yards with a 46.4-yard punt average.[16]

As a senior in 2020, Stonehouse played in all four games, as the season was heavily condensed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In just four games, he punted 26 times for 1,178 yards and was named to the All-Mountain West first team for the third consecutive year.[17]

As a graduate student in 2021, his final year at CSU, Stonehouse was ranked the best punter and the 34th best overall player in the Mountain West Conference entering the season.[18] Stonehouse finished the season having punted 58 times for 2,953 yards, recording a career-best single-season punt average of 50.9 yards. Despite this, Stonehouse was named to the 2021 All-Mountain West second team, as San Diego State punter Matt Araiza, who led the FBS and Mountain West with a 51.5-yard punt average, was named to the first team.[19]

Over the span of his collegiate career, Stonehouse punted 244 times for a total of 11,656 yards. He broke the NCAA FBS record for the highest career average yards per punt with his 47.8-yard average, which was previously held by Florida punter Johnny Townsend with a 46.2 average.[2] Stonehouse also holds the Mountain West Conference's highest career average yards per punt record, previously held by BYU punter Matt Payne (45.4; 2001–04).[20]

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span
5 ft 9+12 in
(1.77 m)
193 lb
(88 kg)
30 in
(0.76 m)
9+12 in
(0.24 m)
All values from Pro Day[21]

Tennessee Titans

[edit]

2022 season

[edit]

Stonehouse signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2022.[22] He performed well throughout the preseason and won the punting job when the Titans released longtime punter Brett Kern on August 29.[23][24][25]

During a narrow Week 3 24–22 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Stonehouse punted thrice for 181 yards with a long of 70 yards.[26][27] Two weeks later against the Washington Commanders, he punted eight times for 416 yards in the 21–17 road victory.[28] Stonehouse was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for October after recording 20 punts for 1,033 yards and a 51.7 average.[29]

During a Week 10 17–10 victory over the Denver Broncos, Stonehouse punted eight times for 432 yards, including three inside the 10-yard line with a long of 74 yards, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.[30] Two weeks later against the Cincinnati Bengals, he had five punts for 269 yards with a long of 71 yards in the 20–16 loss.[31] In the next game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Stonehouse punted seven times for 401 yards during the 35–10 road loss.[32]

Stonehouse recorded an average of 53.1 yards per punt throughout his rookie season, which set a new single-season NFL record.[33] The record, previously set in 1940 by Sammy Baugh with a 51.4 average, lasted 82 seasons before being broken by Stonehouse.[3] He was also the punting yards leader in 2022, punting 90 times for 4,779 yards.[34][35] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team[36] and second-team AP All-Pro.[37]

2023 season

[edit]

During a Week 3 27–3 road loss to the Cleveland Browns, Stonehouse had seven punts for 374 yards with a long of 74 yards.[38] During a Week 8 28–23 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, he had a season-high eight punts for 420 yards.[39] During a Week 12 17–10 victory over the Carolina Panthers, Stonehouse punted seven times for 376 yards with a long of 71 yards, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.[40] However, in the next game the Indianapolis Colts, he suffered a serious leg injury after a second blocked punt and was later announced to be out for the rest of the season.[41] The injury was later revealed to be a torn ACL, MCL, and a broken bone, all in his non-kicking leg.[42]

Stonehouse finished his second professional season with 53 punts for 2,812 yards and a 53.1 average, leading the league in yards per punt for the second consecutive year and nearly tying the record he set last year. He led the league in punts inside the 20-yard line (52.8%)[43][44]

2024 season

[edit]

Stonehouse made a healthy return in time for the 2024 season, but the team's punt protection problems continued into the next year, resulting in a blocked punt in each of the first two games of the regular season.[45][46] Stonehouse still went on to punt all 17 games of the season, making 73 punts for 3,691 yards and a 50.6 average, including a career long 75-yard punt in Week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts.[47] He was third in yards per punts that year and was named as an alternate to the 2025 Pro Bowl.[48][49]

On March 11, 2025, the Titans chose not to assign Stonehouse his RFA tender, making him an unrestricted free agent.[50]

Miami Dolphins

[edit]

On March 16, 2025, Stonehouse signed with the Miami Dolphins.[51] He was waived on August 19.[52]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Legend
NFL record
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP Punting
Punts Yds Avg Lng Blk
2022 TEN 17 90 4,779 53.1 74 0
2023 TEN 12 53 2,812 53.1 74 0
2024 TEN 17 73 3,691 50.6 75 2
Career 46 216 11,282 52.2 75 2

Personal life

[edit]

Stonehouse enjoys DIY projects. In his spare time, Stonehouse has built various projects, including a covered outdoor kitchen in his backyard.[53] Stonehouse also enjoys fostering and working with shelter dogs.[53]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Ryan Matthew Stonehouse (born May 11, 1999) is an American professional football punter known for his exceptional leg strength and record-setting performance in the (). A native of , Stonehouse attended Mater Dei High School before playing college football for the , where he ranks first in NCAA history with a career punting average of 47.8 yards per punt. After going undrafted in the , Stonehouse signed with the as a on May 13, 2022, and quickly established himself as one of the league's elite punters. In his rookie season, he led the with a gross punting of 53.1 yards per punt across 90 attempts, shattering the previous single-season record of 51.4 yards set by in 1940 and earning Second-Team honors from the . Stonehouse also ranked first in net punting at 44.03 yards that year, and his game-worn and cleats were donated to the . Over three seasons with the Titans through 2024, he amassed 216 punts for 11,282 yards, maintaining averages above 50 yards gross in his first two years while appearing in 46 games. Following the 2024 season, the Titans declined to tender Stonehouse as a , leading him to sign a one-year deal with the on March 16, 2025. However, he was waived by Miami on August 19, 2025, during preseason roster cuts, and as of November 2025, he remains an after working out for teams including the .

Early life and education

Early life and family background

Ryan Stonehouse was born on May 11, 1999, in . He was raised in nearby , where he spent his formative years immersed in a family deeply connected to football, particularly the art of punting. Stonehouse hails from a lineage of accomplished punters, with his father, Paul Stonehouse, having served as the punter for from 1989 to 1992, during which he handled 243 punts for a total of 9,512 yards. Paul's brothers further extended this family legacy: uncle John Stonehouse punted for the over four years, while maternal uncle Jeff Banks did the same at . This heritage provided Stonehouse with early and constant exposure to the sport, as his father not only coached informally but also co-operated a kicking camp with John, fostering an environment where punting techniques were routinely discussed and demonstrated at home. From a young age, Stonehouse benefited from guidance by key mentors within this familial and extended network, including his father and renowned punting instructor Jamie Kohl of Kohl's Kicking Camps. This early immersion in punting's nuances, rather than formal training, laid the groundwork for his later athletic pursuits.

High school career

Stonehouse attended Mater Dei High School in , where he developed his skills as a punter on the football team. Coming from a family with a punting tradition—his father, Paul, had punted at Stanford—Stonehouse was motivated early to pursue the position seriously. During his senior year in 2016, Stonehouse contributed to Mater Dei's impressive 13-1 overall record and 5-0 league mark in the , helping the team reach a deep playoff run. Despite the Monarchs' high-powered offense scoring an Orange County-record 747 points, which limited his opportunities, he punted 24 times for a 44.1-yard average, including 11 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line and a long of 65 yards. These performances earned him All-County honors from and established him as the holder of Mater Dei's best net (44.9 yards) and gross (45.2 yards) punting averages in school history. As a three-star recruit ranked as the nation's top punter in the , Stonehouse drew interest from multiple programs during his recruitment process. He received scholarship offers from schools including , , Cornell, and , with additional preferred walk-on opportunities from others like Cal. In February 2017, Stonehouse committed to , signing his shortly thereafter and choosing the Rams over other suitors for their emphasis on special teams.

College career

Colorado State Rams

Ryan Stonehouse enrolled at Colorado State University in 2017 on a scholarship after a highly regarded high school career at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, where he was ranked as the nation's top punter recruit and drew offers from programs including the University of California and Colorado State. As a true freshman that fall, Stonehouse earned the starting punter role for the , replacing the previous specialist and handling punting duties in all 13 games of the 2017 season under head coach . He retained the position as the primary punter through his entire collegiate career, spanning five seasons from 2017 to 2021, while pursuing a degree and later graduate studies at the university. Throughout Stonehouse's tenure, the competed in the Mountain West Conference, facing annual rivalries and divisional matchups in the Division against teams like Boise State and Utah State. The program achieved a berth in 2017 with a 7-6 overall record and 5-3 conference mark, but transitioned into a rebuilding phase in subsequent years, finishing 3-9 in 2018, 4-8 in 2019, 1-3 in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, and 3-9 in 2021 following a midseason coaching change to . Stonehouse's role on special teams provided consistency amid these fluctuations, supporting the Rams' efforts in conference play and non-conference games at in Fort Collins.

College achievements and records

During his five seasons at Colorado State, Ryan Stonehouse established himself as one of the most dominant punters in history, culminating in a career punt average of 47.8 yards over 244 punts for 11,656 total yards. This performance set the NCAA FBS record for career punting average at the time of his graduation in 2021, a mark that highlighted his consistency and power from his role as the ' primary punter across 53 games. Stonehouse's statistical excellence extended to the Mountain West Conference, where he holds the all-time record for career punting average at 47.8 yards per punt, surpassing previous benchmarks set by conference predecessors. He also claimed multiple single-season conference records, including the highest average of 50.9 yards in (58 punts for 2,953 yards) and 48.3 yards in 2018 (65 punts for 3,140 yards), both of which ranked among the national top five that year. These figures underscored his ability to deliver long, directional punts, with 16 punts of 50+ yards in 2019 alone contributing to his overall impact. His accomplishments earned Stonehouse widespread recognition, including three first-team All-Mountain West selections in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Nationally, he received second-team All-American honors from in 2018 following his record-setting sophomore campaign and honorable mention All-American accolades from Phil Steele in 2020. Stonehouse was also a four-time Ray Guy Award watch list nominee, the award for the nation's top punter, reflecting his sustained elite performance throughout his college tenure.

Professional career

2022 season with

Stonehouse signed with the as an undrafted on May 13, 2022, following his standout college career at Colorado State, where he set NCAA records for career punting average. During the preseason, he averaged 50.2 yards per punt on 13 attempts, outperforming veteran incumbent and securing the starting role when the Titans released Kern on August 29, 2022. In his rookie regular season, Stonehouse appeared in all 17 games, recording 90 punts for 4,779 yards and a gross of 53.1 yards per punt, which established a new NFL single-season record, surpassing Baugh's 51.4-yard mark from 1940. His net stood at 44.0 yards, with 30 punts landing inside the 20-yard line (33.3%) and only nine touchbacks (10.0%). These figures led the league in both gross punting and total punting yards, earning him second-team Associated Press All-Pro honors. Stonehouse's contributions were highlighted by individual accolades, including AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for after averaging 51.7 yards on 20 punts for 1,033 yards, and AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 10 following a 68-yard punt in a win over the . His elite leg strength propelled the Titans to the No. 1 ranking in gross punting average and No. 14 in net punting average league-wide, significantly boosting the unit's overall performance to 14th in special teams efficiency despite return game challenges.

2023 season with Tennessee Titans

Stonehouse entered the 2023 NFL season with elevated expectations after setting a single-season punting average record in his 2022 rookie campaign. He appeared in the first 12 games for the , delivering consistent performance on special teams despite the team's overall struggles. Stonehouse punted 53 times for 2,812 total yards, achieving a gross average of 53.1 yards per punt and a net average of 44.7 yards, while placing 28 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line and recording a longest punt of 74 yards. His efforts earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors for Week 12 after a standout outing against the , where he averaged 53.7 gross yards on seven punts with five inside the 20 and a net average of 46.7 yards. On December 3, 2023, during a Week 14 loss to the , Stonehouse sustained a severe season-ending to his non-punting left after a defender collided with him, causing hyperextension. The involved tears to his ACL and MCL, along with a broken , leading to his placement on injured reserve on December 8 and forcing him to miss the final five games of the season. Stonehouse underwent surgery on December 15 to repair the damage, initiating a lengthy rehabilitation process that he described as focusing on returning stronger. The Titans concluded the year with a 6-11 record, finishing last in the amid widespread team challenges, including multiple injuries across the roster. Their special teams unit, bolstered by Stonehouse's contributions prior to his injury, ranked 21st in the according to comprehensive evaluations that considered punting, kicking, and return efficiency.

2024 season with

Stonehouse returned for the 2024 season after recovering from a torn ACL sustained in the previous year, appearing in all 17 games for the . His performance showed a mix of strengths and challenges, with a gross punting average of 50.6 yards on 73 punts, ranking third in the and totaling 3,691 yards, including a longest punt of 75 yards. He placed 22 punts inside the 20-yard line, contributing to field position advantages during the Titans' rebuilding efforts under new head coach . However, Stonehouse's net punting average dropped to 38.6 yards, ranking 34th among qualified punters, largely due to two blocked punts—the most in the league—and 655 return yards allowed. These blocks occurred in the first two weeks of the season, contributing to early special teams struggles and drawing criticism despite solid gross distances. Pro Football Focus graded him 56.1 overall (29th out of 32 punters) with an average distance of 39.67 yards (30th), highlighting inconsistencies in hang time and directional kicking post-injury. Poor punt coverage by the Titans exacerbated these issues, limiting his impact in critical moments. Following the season, the Titans opted not to tender Stonehouse a contract or pursue a new deal, citing a decline in key metrics despite his consistency in gross averages. This decision reflected the team's broader special teams overhaul amid a 3-14 record and ongoing rebuild.

2025 offseason, Miami Dolphins, and free agency

Following the expiration of his three-year rookie contract with the after the 2024 season, Stonehouse became an unrestricted in March 2025, as the Titans opted not to extend or tender him a new deal. On March 16, 2025, Stonehouse signed a one-year contract with the worth $1.725 million, including a $75,000 , to compete for the starting punter role during the offseason and . He entered a direct competition with incumbent punter Jake Bailey, who had been with the team since 2023, with both players vying for the position through preseason practices and exhibition games. The Dolphins waived Stonehouse on August 19, 2025, prior to the start of the 2025 regular season, ultimately retaining Bailey as their punter after evaluating their respective performances in camp. As of November 10, 2025, Stonehouse remains an unsigned , having worked out with the in late October but not securing a contract with any team. At age 26, Stonehouse's free agency status reflects the relatively thin market for punters in the , where teams often prioritize incumbents or emerging talents over mid-career specialists unless injuries create immediate needs. His value entering free agency was bolstered by a consistent 2024 season with the Titans, though the punter market's dynamics limited widespread interest.

Career statistics and accomplishments

NFL punting statistics

Stonehouse has no postseason punting statistics as of the 2024 season. His regular-season punting statistics through the 2024 season are summarized below.
YearTeamGames PlayedPuntsYardsGross AverageNet AverageInside 20TouchbacksBlocked
2022TEN17904,77953.144.03090
2023TEN12532,81253.144.728100
2024TEN17733,69150.638.62272
Career-4621611,28252.242.480262

Records and awards

In 2022, Stonehouse set the NFL single-season record for gross punting average with 53.1 yards per punt, surpassing Sammy Baugh's mark of 51.4 yards from 1940. He also led the league in total punting yards with 4,779. He tied this record in 2023 with another 53.1-yard average over 53 punts in 12 games. In 2023, Stonehouse again led the in gross punting average with 53.1 yards per punt. Stonehouse earned second-team honors from the in 2022, recognizing his league-leading performance as a . He was also selected to the All-Rookie Team that season, joining teammate as one of two Titans honorees. With the Titans, Stonehouse holds the franchise single-season record for gross punting average at 53.1 yards, achieved in both 2022 and 2023. His career-long punt of 75 yards came in 2024 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Personal life

Family and influences

Ryan Stonehouse was born on May 11, 1999, in San Dimas, California, to parents Paul Stonehouse and Natalie Banks. His father, Paul, was a standout punter at Stanford University from 1989 to 1992, where he handled 243 punts for a gross average of 39.2 yards, establishing a family legacy in the position. This tradition extends to Stonehouse's uncles: John Stonehouse, who punted at USC and later in the NFL with the New York Giants, and Jeff Banks, a punter at Washington State. Raised in a household steeped in football expertise, Stonehouse grew up in Southern California, where the family's emphasis on rigorous, no-nonsense training—often described as "tough love"—shaped his approach to the sport from an early age. Stonehouse's relationship with his father was particularly influential, marked by constant support and candid feedback that pushed him to refine his technique, including an underhand drop style passed down through the family. Paul Stonehouse encouraged independence, noting his son's aversion to seeking external approval, while instilling a through hands-on guidance alongside uncle John at family kicking camps. No public details are available regarding siblings, but the close-knit family dynamic, centered on athletic excellence, provided a foundation of and resilience. This "tough love" extended beyond family, as Stonehouse has credited it with fueling his determination during challenging periods in his development. Key mentors outside the family further honed Stonehouse's skills and mindset. Punting coach Jamie Kohl, a renowned specialist from national training camps, delivered blunt criticism early on—telling Stonehouse he "wasn’t worth a damn"—which ignited a fierce drive to prove himself and led to technical breakthroughs. Similarly, emphasized a team-first mentality, redirecting Stonehouse's focus during his 2019 season and fostering personal growth through straightforward coaching. These influences, combined with familial expectations, underscored a philosophy of and perseverance. As of 2025, Stonehouse maintains a private , with no publicly detailed information on or children.

Off-field activities

Ryan Stonehouse has pursued a variety of interests outside of football, including hands-on DIY projects and . During his college years at Colorado State, he built an elaborate outdoor kitchen at his grandmother's house, featuring wood and brick construction, dual cooking areas, a , and countertops, showcasing his affinity for and . He also constructed a table and assisted in converting a purchased for $750 into a project intended for resale at $14,000, highlighting his practical skills with tools. Additionally, Stonehouse has enjoyed and exploring conspiracy theories, such as those involving aliens, the Free Masons, and the . In terms of animal rescue, he and his girlfriend fostered dogs, including one independently, and helped rehome multiple others, describing the experience as transformative in changing an animal's life. Stonehouse has engaged in philanthropy, particularly supporting causes related to (ALS). In 2024, he partnered with former player Tim Shaw to launch the "Punt for ALS" campaign, pledging $500 to TShaw Strong for each punt he placed inside the opponent's 20-yard line during the season, aiming to raise awareness and funds for ALS research and support through organizations like Team Gleason. This initiative built on Shaw's personal battle with ALS and encouraged fan donations to amplify the effort.

References

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