ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington Commanders punter Tress Way, coming off his third Pro Bowl season, said he's going to retire at the end of the season -- barring an unexpected change of heart.
"I am pretty sure this is going to be my last season," said Way, who is 36.
He's the longest-tenured Washington player, having been claimed by the franchise in 2014 after being cut for the second time by Chicago. Way, who has played for three coaches in Washington, made the Pro Bowl after the 2019, 2022 and 2025 seasons.
Last year, Way ranked second in the NFL for punts inside the 20-yard line (51.8%) and tied for fifth for kicks inside the 10 (19.6%). He also was sixth in net punting at 43.9 yards, the third highest of his career.
Left-footed Way has averaged 46.9 yards per punt in his career.
"I'm very thankful the good Lord blessed me with my left leg," he said.
Way said it has meant a lot to him that he has punted for only one team. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2013, but Chicago waived him that summer and again a year later. Washington then claimed him.
"I've thought about [retiring] for a long time," said Way, his voice starting to crack. "It has been so special for me playing here. When I got claimed on the waiver wire, I just felt wanted here. I felt wanted here my whole career. I didn't want to play anywhere else."
Way was recently voted a captain for the season, along with his best friend on the team, safety and one-time Pro Bowl special teams player Jeremy Reaves. Way served as the officiant at Reaves' wedding in March.
Way's decision was difficult for Reaves, who teared up when discussing the news.
"I always had in my mind we'd go out on our own terms together," Reaves said. "It's a gut punch."
Earlier this year, there were T-shirts made that highlighted that Way had more passing yards in an NFC Championship Game (23) than Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (0). Way picked up those yards in the loss to Philadelphia after the 2024 regular season.
He counted that among his favorite memories.
"You don't ever root against anybody or any team, but how much the fans loved that I have more passing yards than Dak [in that situation stands out]," Way said.
