Tress Way may be heading toward the finish line after the 2026 NFL season.
The Commanders punter said Thursday that he’s “pretty sure” next year will be his last, and he’s already let general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn know he’s seriously thinking about calling it a career.
Way, 36, has been a Washington mainstay since the team claimed him off waivers in 2014. He’s handled punting duties ever since and built a résumé that includes three Pro Bowl selections and a second-team All-Pro honor.
For a player who has spent more than a decade as one of the league’s steadiest punters, Thursday’s comments came with a sense of reflection. Way talked about what his accomplishments have meant to him and made it clear he’s soaking in the moment.
“The Pro Bowls are sweet. That’ll be -- having that the rest of my life - the few jersey hanging up will be really special for me,” Way said to reporters, with video from NBC4’s JP Finlay. “This year, too, is special because I’m pretty sure this is my last season.”
“I talked with AP and DQ and gave them a head’s up. I didn’t want to spring that on them.
It’s one of those - I’m just taking it all in. I feel like someone’s cutting onions all the time around here.”
Way’s standing in Washington goes beyond his leg. He’s become a fan favorite because of both his special teams work and the way he connects with the fan base, and he remains a respected presence inside the locker room. That was reflected again when he was voted a team captain for the fifth time.
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Philadelphias pressure point is obvious enough. A title changes expectations, and major roster adjustments only sharpen the scrutiny when the first meaningful game arrives. Washington will be watching closely for how the Eagles settle into their new form, because the opener can reveal more than a month of speculation ever could. For a Commanders team trying to find steadier footing, this matchup is a chance to learn quickly whether the gap looks the same, smaller, or something in between. [Read more 🡒]