Tommy Barnhardt's career in professional football is characterized by his role as a punter in the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 11, 1963, in China Grove, North Carolina, Barnhardt attended the University of North Carolina, where he honed his skills in college football. His performance at the collegiate level paved the way for his entry into the NFL.
Barnhardt entered the league when he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the ninth round of the 1986 NFL Draft. However, his professional debut came a year later, in 1987, with the New Orleans Saints. During his time with the Saints, Barnhardt established himself as a reliable punter, contributing to the team's special teams unit. His tenure with the Saints lasted until 1990, after which he joined the Washington Redskins for a brief period in 1991.
The following year, Barnhardt found a more permanent home with the Carolina Panthers, where he played from 1995 to 1998. His time with the Panthers was marked by consistent performances, and he became a familiar figure on the field. Barnhardt's ability to execute punts with precision and control was a valuable asset to the teams he played for, helping to manage field position during games.
In 1999, Barnhardt signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team that had originally drafted him. His return to Tampa Bay was short-lived, as he played only one season with the Buccaneers. He concluded his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints in 2000, bringing his professional journey full circle.
Throughout his career, Barnhardt was known for his steady presence on the field. Over the years, he played in a total of 198 games, recording 857 punts for 35,487 yards, with an average of 41.4 yards per punt. His longest punt was 66 yards, showcasing his ability to deliver powerful kicks when needed.
Barnhardt's career spanned over a decade, during which he played for multiple teams and demonstrated his skills as a punter.
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