Garrison Sanborn, a professional long snapper, built a steady career in the National Football League (NFL) through his precision and reliability on the field. Born on July 31, 1985, in Tampa, Florida, Sanborn attended Jesuit High School, where he first demonstrated his aptitude for football. He later attended Florida State University, where he honed his skills as a long snapper, a specialized position that requires accuracy and consistency.
Sanborn entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2009, signing with the Buffalo Bills. His entry into the league marked the beginning of a long tenure with the team, where he became a fixture on special teams. Long snappers often go unnoticed unless they make a mistake, and Sanborn's ability to perform his duties without error earned him respect within the organization. His role involved snapping the ball for punts, field goals, and extra points, tasks that require precise timing and execution.
During his time with the Bills, Sanborn played in every game from 2009 to 2016, a testament to his reliability and durability. His consistency helped stabilize the Bills' special teams unit, contributing to the success of kickers and punters by ensuring smooth operations during kicks and punts. Sanborn's tenure with the Bills lasted eight seasons, during which he became a trusted member of the team.
In 2017, Sanborn signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, returning to his hometown to continue his NFL career. His experience and skill set were valuable assets to the Buccaneers' special teams unit. Sanborn played the entire 2017 season with the Buccaneers, maintaining his streak of appearances and further solidifying his reputation as a dependable long snapper.
The following year, Sanborn joined the San Francisco 49ers during the offseason but was released before the start of the regular season. He returned to the Buccaneers later in 2018, where he played in a few games before being released again. Despite the challenges of maintaining a position in the NFL, Sanborn's career exemplified the role of a long snapper who consistently performed his duties with precision.
Throughout his career, Sanborn's work ethic and focus on his specialized role allowed him to maintain a presence in the league for nearly a decade. His ability to execute the fundamental tasks of long snapping under pressure was a key component of his professional journey. While long snappers may not receive the same recognition as other positions, Sanborn's career serves as a reminder of the importance of every role on a football team.
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