Patrick Scales Bio
Patrick Scales (born February 11, 1988) is an American professional football long snapper. He played college football for the Utah State Aggies and has spent more than a decade in the National Football League. Across his career he has been a member of the Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Chicago Bears. He is widely regarded as one of the most reliable specialists at his position.
Standing 6 ft 3 in and weighing 226 lb, Scales built his professional reputation on consistency and durability from the long-snapper spot. After going undrafted in 2011, he carved out a long career by signing with multiple franchises before settling in Chicago. His journey from small-town Utah to a decade in the NFL reflects steady perseverance through the league’s most demanding specialist role.
Early Life and Background
Patrick Scales was born on February 11, 1988, in Louisville, Kentucky, and grew up in the United States. He later moved to Utah, where he attended Weber High School in Pleasant View. At Weber he was a second-team all-region selection for the Warriors, showing early versatility across multiple positions.
During his high school years Scales lined up at tight end, defensive end, and long snapper, giving him a wide range of physical experience. He also played basketball and baseball, which helped develop his overall athleticism and hand-eye coordination. His academic performance was strong as well, earning him academic all-state and all-region honors.
Those formative years in Pleasant View helped shape the work ethic that would later define his professional career. The combination of multi-sport experience and classroom discipline gave Scales a grounded foundation as he prepared for the next level.
Path to American Football
After high school, Scales took his talents to Utah State University, where he played for the Utah State Aggies from 2007 to 2010. He was redshirted in 2006, which gave him an extra year to develop his body and refine his technique. At Utah State he continued to work on the long-snapping craft that would eventually become his ticket to the pros.
Going into the 2011 NFL Draft, Scales was rated as the 11th best long snapper in his class by NFLDraftScout.com. That evaluation, combined with his size and athletic background, made him an intriguing specialist prospect despite not being drafted. His path to the NFL would come through free-agent opportunities rather than draft-day selection.
Patrick Scales Career
Early Career (2011–2014)
Scales signed with the Baltimore Ravens on July 27, 2011, shortly after going undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft. His initial stay with the Ravens was brief, as he was released on September 3, 2011. He returned to Baltimore on May 1, 2012, but was again released on August 26, 2012, during roster cuts.
The 2013 season brought a whirlwind of changes for Scales. He signed with the Miami Dolphins on April 8, 2013, was released on May 15, 2013, then signed with the New York Jets on July 23, 2013, before being released on August 26, 2013. Early in 2014 he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a futures deal on January 6, 2014, but was released on April 9, 2014.
Baltimore Ravens Breakthrough (2014–2015)
Scales returned to the Baltimore Ravens when he was signed on December 18, 2014. Just three days later, on December 21, 2014, he made his NFL debut against the Houston Texans, finally breaking into regular-season action. His stint with the Ravens wrapped up when he was released on August 31, 2015.
Chicago Bears Era (2015–2024)
Scales signed with the Chicago Bears on November 28, 2015, beginning what would become the defining chapter of his career. On March 4, 2017, he signed a one-year extension with the Bears, signaling the team’s growing trust in his role. That trust was tested on August 28, 2017, when he was waived and placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL in the team’s third preseason game.
Scales recovered and re-signed with the Bears on March 27, 2018, then again on April 2, 2019, on a one-year deal. He continued to re-sign with Chicago in March 2020 and again on April 7, 2021, demonstrating his lasting value to the organization. On March 15, 2022, he signed a one-year, $1.27 million contract extension, and on March 10, 2023, he signed another extension that made him the longest-tenured Bears player on the roster.
His final season in Chicago was interrupted on August 29, 2024, when he was placed on injured reserve with a back injury, with Scott Daly signed as his replacement. After ten years with the franchise, the Bears opted to keep Daly in 2025, making Scales a free agent. Scales thanked the team in a statement, calling Chicago a “dream come true” and writing that his children “know no life without” the Bears.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although long snapper is a specialized role rather than a driving position, Scales built his reputation on accuracy, consistency, and toughness in protection. His large frame at 6 ft 3 in and 226 lb allowed him to hold up against bigger defensive linemen on coverage teams. He paired a clean, repeatable snapping motion with the discipline to play through injuries, which made him a trusted specialist across multiple coaching staffs.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his career milestones, Scales made his NFL debut on December 21, 2014, against the Houston Texans after years of bouncing between practice squads and short-term contracts. He went on to play 122 games and record 14 total tackles through the 2024 season. Becoming the longest-tenured Bears player in 2023 also stood as a major personal achievement after a decade of perseverance.
Patrick Scales Career Wins
While long snappers do not accumulate traditional win statistics, Patrick Scales appeared in 122 NFL games through the 2024 season, a testament to his durability and the trust placed in him by multiple organizations. His career arc from undrafted free agent to a decade-long specialist in Chicago reflects consistent performance in a role that demands precision on every snap.
NFL Career Highlights
Scales’ longest and most productive stretch came with the Chicago Bears from 2015 through 2024, where he played the majority of his 122 career games. His first sustained NFL opportunity came during his second stint with the Baltimore Ravens, which led directly to his Chicago breakthrough. He became the longest-tenured Bears player in 2023, a rare honor for a specialist.
Patrick Scales Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Patrick Scales’ parents and broader family background is limited. He grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, before moving to Utah for high school, where he continued his athletic development. Detailed records about his immediate family are not widely documented in public sources.
Personal Life
Scales is married and has children, as referenced in his farewell statement to the Bears in which he wrote that his kids “know no life without” the Chicago Bears. He and his family lived in the Chicago area during his decade with the franchise. Beyond these references, additional details about his personal life are not publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Outlook
Heading into the 2025 season, Patrick Scales entered free agency after the Chicago Bears opted to retain Scott Daly as their long snapper. That decision ended a ten-year run with the franchise and opened the door for Scales to evaluate new opportunities around the league. His track record of 122 career games and proven accuracy on field goals and punts make him an attractive specialist option for teams in need of experienced help.
Scales’ prior history of signing futures and short-term deals after injuries shows he is comfortable with the business side of professional football. At 37 years old, his experience and mentorship value could appeal to younger rosters building out their special-teams units. Whether he returns for another season or shifts into coaching, his resume speaks for itself.