Corliss Waitman Bio
Corliss Leendert Waitman is a Belgian-American professional football punter for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the South Alabama Jaguars. His diverse upbringing, with roots in Suriname and a childhood spent in Belgium and the Netherlands, has shaped his unique perspective in the sport. He transitioned from soccer to football during high school in the United States and has made a significant impact in the NFL since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2020.
Early Life and Background
Corliss Waitman was born on July 21, 1995, in Ghent, Belgium. His father, José Waitman, was a professional basketball player who was playing in Belgium at the time of Corliss’s birth. The family later moved to the Netherlands, where Corliss spent his childhood. At the age of 15, he moved to the United States to join his father. This transition marked a significant turning point in his life, as he switched from playing soccer to football during high school. He attended Milton High School in Milton, Florida, where he honed his skills as a punter.
Path to American Football
Corliss Waitman played college football at the University of South Alabama from 2014 to 2018. His performance earned him recognition, including being named a First-team All-Sun Belt in 2017. After college, he faced challenges in securing a position in professional football. He was undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft but was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent on April 28, 2020. His journey through various teams in the NFL has been marked by resilience and determination.
Corliss Waitman Career
Early Career (2020)
Corliss Waitman’s professional career began when he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020. Although he was waived shortly after, he was re-signed to the practice squad and later signed a reserve/future contract in January 2021. His early career was characterized by his determination to prove himself in the league, despite the challenges of being an undrafted player.
Breakthrough (2021-2022)
Waitman’s breakthrough came when he was signed by the Denver Broncos on January 17, 2022. He quickly established himself as a key player, being named the starting punter for the Broncos. In Week 3 of the 2022 season, he delivered an impressive performance against the San Francisco 49ers, earning the American Football Conference Special Teams Player of the Week award. This recognition marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Notable Works and Milestones
Corliss Waitman has achieved notable milestones throughout his career, including his performance with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos. His longest punt of 71 yards against the Baltimore Ravens in 2024 stands out as a highlight. Additionally, he made his postseason debut in the Steelers’ playoff game against the Ravens in January 2025, further solidifying his status in the league.
Corliss Waitman Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Corliss Waitman has received recognition for his performances, including being named a First-team All-Sun Belt in 2017 during his college career.
Corliss Waitman Awards Won
Corliss Waitman has won the American Football Conference Special Teams Player of the Week award during his time with the Denver Broncos, highlighting his impact on the field.
Corliss Waitman Family
Corliss Waitman is the son of José Waitman, a former professional basketball player. His family background includes roots in Suriname, adding to his diverse heritage.
Personal Life
Details about Corliss Waitman’s personal life remain private, with limited public information available regarding his relationships or marital status. His focus appears to be primarily on his professional career in football.
