Tress Way Bio
Tressler William Way is an American professional football punter for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners and signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2013. Way joined the Commanders the following year, making three Pro Bowls and earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2019 and becoming the franchise’s leader in punting yards. Way punts left-footed, a relative rarity in the NFL.
Early Life and Background
Tressler William Way was born on April 18, 1990, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He graduated from Union High School in 2008, where he began to showcase his athletic abilities. Following high school, Way attended the University of Oklahoma, where he redshirted his freshman season with the Oklahoma Sooners football team. Initially starting as a kicker, he transitioned to punter, a decision that would shape his professional career. Way completed his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies at Oklahoma in December 2012.
Path to American Football
After college, Tress Way signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent on April 28, 2013. He was brought in to compete with veteran punter Adam Podlesh but was waived on August 25, 2013. Way re-signed with the Bears for the 2014 offseason but was waived again after losing out to rookie Pat O’Donnell. Shortly thereafter, he was claimed off waivers by the Washington Redskins on August 20, 2014, marking the beginning of his successful tenure with the team.
Tress Way Career
Early Career (2013–2014)
Tress Way’s professional career began when he signed with the Chicago Bears in 2013. Despite being waived before the regular season, he quickly found a home with the Washington Redskins. In his first preseason game with the team, Way recorded an impressive average of 45.3 yards off of four punts. He became the starting punter for the 2014 season, leading the NFL in gross punting average with 47.5 yards.
Breakthrough (2019–Present)
In 2019, Tress Way achieved a significant milestone by being named to his first Pro Bowl and earning second-team All-Pro honors. His performance that season included a remarkable average of 49.61 yards per punt, leading the NFL in yards per punt and recording the longest punt of the season at 79 yards. Way’s consistency and skill continued to shine, as he was named to the Pro Bowl again in 2022 and 2025, solidifying his status as one of the top punters in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Tress Way’s signature work includes his impressive punting statistics, where he has become the franchise leader in punting yards for the Washington Commanders. His accolades include being named to the Pro Bowl three times and earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2019.
Tress Way Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Tress Way has received multiple nominations for prestigious awards, including three Pro Bowl selections, showcasing his excellence as a punter in the NFL.
Tress Way Awards Won
Tress Way has won several notable awards during his career, including second-team All-Pro honors in 2019 and three Pro Bowl selections in 2019, 2022, and 2025.
Tress Way Family
Tress Way is married to Brianna Turang, who was a softball and soccer player at the University of Oklahoma. She is the sister of current Milwaukee Brewers infielder Brice Turang and the daughter of former Major League Baseball outfielder Brian Turang.
Personal Life
Tress Way married Brianna Turang in 2013. He is known to be a Christian and has maintained a relatively private personal life outside of his professional commitments. Way’s left-footed punting style is considered a rarity in the NFL, adding to his unique profile as an athlete.