Mike Scifres, a punter known for his precision and power, spent the majority of his professional football career with the San Diego Chargers. Born on October 8, 1980, in Metairie, Louisiana, Scifres attended Destrehan High School, where he first showcased his talent in football. He later played college football at Western Illinois University, where he honed his skills as a punter, earning recognition for his impressive performances.
In the 2003 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers selected Scifres in the fifth round, making him the 149th overall pick. This marked the beginning of his long tenure with the team. Scifres quickly established himself as a reliable and consistent punter, known for his ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory. His powerful leg and precise control made him a valuable asset to the Chargers' special teams unit.
Throughout his career with the Chargers, Scifres was known for his exceptional hang time and accuracy. One of his most memorable performances came during the 2008 AFC Wild Card game against the Indianapolis Colts. In that game, Scifres delivered a standout performance, punting six times with an average of 51.7 yards per punt, and placing four punts inside the 10-yard line. His efforts were instrumental in the Chargers' victory, and he was widely praised for his role in the game.
Scifres' consistency and skill earned him respect across the league. Over the years, he became a fan favorite in San Diego, admired for his professionalism and work ethic. Despite the physical demands of the position, Scifres maintained a high level of performance throughout his career, rarely missing games due to injury.
In 2015, after 13 seasons with the Chargers, Scifres was released by the team. He briefly joined the Carolina Panthers in 2016 but was released before the start of the regular season. Following his release from the Panthers, Scifres decided to retire from professional football.
Throughout his career, Scifres played in 195 regular-season games, recording 756 punts for 34,905 yards, with an average of 46.2 yards per punt. His ability to consistently deliver under pressure and his knack for pinning opponents deep in their own territory made him a respected figure among his peers.
Off the field, Scifres was known for his involvement in community service and charitable activities. He often participated in events and initiatives aimed at giving back to the community, further endearing him to fans and teammates alike.
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