Charley Hughlett Bio
Robert Charles Hughlett, known professionally as Charley Hughlett, is an American professional football long snapper in the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 16, 1990, in Tampa, Florida, he has built a lengthy career as a specialist, currently listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 251 pounds. He played college football for the UCF Knights and entered the NFL in 2012 as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys.
Across more than a decade in professional football, Hughlett has appeared in 152 regular-season games, recording 26 total tackles while serving primarily as a long snapper on special teams. He is widely regarded for his consistency and durability in one of the league’s most specialized roles.
Early Life and Background
Charley Hughlett grew up in Tampa, Florida, where he attended Hillsborough High School and graduated in the Class of 2008. A multi-sport athlete, he lettered all four years at tight end and center on the football team and also earned varsity letters in track and wrestling. His athletic versatility and willingness to play specialized roles were evident from an early age.
During his high school career, the Hillsborough Terriers earned regional champion honors in 2004 and added district titles in 2005 and 2006. As a junior, Hughlett was named second-team All-conference, and as a senior he received first-team All-conference honors. He was also selected for the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award, highlighting his performance in the classroom as well as on the field.
Path to Professional Football
After high school, Hughlett accepted a football scholarship from the University of Central Florida in 2008, joining the UCF Knights of Conference USA. Although he was also recruited by The Citadel, South Florida, Holy Cross, and Brown, he chose UCF and immediately contributed on special teams.
As a freshman, he appeared in 12 games and earned Conference USA All-Freshman Team honors as a long snapper, recording 3 tackles on special teams. He played long snapper all four years for the Knights, building a reputation for accuracy and reliability. As a junior, he appeared in all 14 games and earned second-team All-Conference USA honors, repeating the distinction as a senior in 2011. His consistent college production positioned him as a prospect for the NFL, even though he went undrafted in 2012.
Charley Hughlett Career
Early Career (2012–2013)
Charley Hughlett signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2012, shortly after the 2012 NFL draft. He was waived on August 27 of that year after being unable to pass established starter L.P. Ladouceur on the depth chart. The Cowboys re-signed him on January 7, 2013, before releasing him again on May 29.
These early stops gave Hughlett his first taste of NFL-level competition and allowed him to refine his long-snapping technique. While his time in Dallas was brief, the experience prepared him for the journeyman phase of his career that followed.
Cleveland Browns Breakthrough (2014–2024)
The 2014 season was defined by a series of short stints with multiple teams. Hughlett signed with the New England Patriots on March 19, was released on May 15, joined the Jacksonville Jaguars on June 19, and was released on August 24. He bounced back to New England’s practice squad on September 1, was released two days later, signed with the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad on September 30, and was cut a week later. He returned to the New England Patriots’ practice squad on November 26, was released two days later, and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad on December 16.
His NFL career stabilized on December 24, 2014, when he was signed to the Cleveland Browns’ active roster off the Chiefs’ practice squad. In 2015, he passed Christian Yount on the depth chart and played in all 16 games, handling all long-snapping duties. On February 16, 2017, Hughlett signed a six-year contract extension with the Browns, which at the time made him the league’s highest-paid long snapper. On October 3, 2021, he played in his 100th consecutive game with the Browns, becoming only the third player, alongside Joe Thomas and Phil Dawson, to accomplish the feat since the franchise returned to the NFL in 1999. He later signed a four-year contract extension on October 28, 2022, before being released on February 24, 2025.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2025–Present)
On March 14, 2025, Charley Hughlett signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, beginning a new chapter in his career. He contributed on special teams early in the season before being placed on injured reserve on September 30 due to a core muscle injury. Cal Adomitis temporarily replaced him on long-snapping duties during his absence.
Hughlett was activated on December 12, ahead of the Eagles’ Week 15 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Eagles released him on December 31, and he was subsequently re-signed to the practice squad, underscoring the franchise’s continued confidence in his veteran experience.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hughlett’s 100th consecutive game with the Cleveland Browns in 2021 stands as one of the defining achievements of his career, placing him in elite company alongside Joe Thomas and Phil Dawson. His 2017 contract extension, which briefly made him the league’s highest-paid long snapper, also marked a major professional milestone and reflected his value as a top specialist.
Charley Hughlett Career Statistics
Charley Hughlett has built a long and durable career as an NFL long snapper, appearing in 152 regular-season games and recording 26 total tackles through the 2024 season. His statistical profile is shaped by the demands of the long snapper position, where consistency and accuracy are measured beyond traditional defensive categories.
Charley Hughlett Family
Personal Life
Charley Hughlett was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, and has built his professional life around football from his high school years through the NFL. Public details about his immediate family and personal relationships are limited, and he is primarily known for his long-standing dedication to his craft as a specialist.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Hughlett joining the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year contract in March, bringing veteran experience to the team’s special-teams unit. His early-season contributions were interrupted by a core muscle injury that landed him on injured reserve in late September, creating an opportunity for Cal Adomitis to step into the long-snapping role.
Hughlett returned to the active roster in mid-December, activating ahead of the Eagles’ Week 15 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He was later released on December 31 and re-signed to the practice squad, reflecting the team’s continued interest in retaining his services. His 2025 campaign underscored both his resilience and the narrow margin that long snappers operate within on NFL rosters.