Tress Way is the longest-tenured player on Washington’s roster, and it’s not even close. Claimed off waivers on Aug. 20, 2014, Way has punted in all but one game over the last 11 seasons for the Commanders. Way missed one game for Washington toward the end of the 2022 season.
Way has enjoyed an excellent career, averaging 46.9 yards per punt and a 41.9 net average. He’s landed over 38% of his punts inside the 20-yard line and has only 47 career touchbacks. Way is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a one-time All-Pro pick.
Washington’s longtime punter also happens to be one of the franchise’s most popular players. Way is beloved by fans for his involvement in the community and his family, particularly his son, Beau.
However, heading into this offseason, Way was a free agent. Turning 35 in April, there were questions about whether the Commanders would re-sign Way or look for a younger, cheaper option.
That would never happen, as general manager Adam Peters and Way agreed to a one-year deal just before free agency opened two weeks ago. Last week, Way was in Ashburn to sign his new contract, and he couldn’t believe how the Commanders rolled out the red carpet for him.
Way said Peters and head coach Dan Quinn wanted him to pick a time when he was heading into the team facility to sign his new contract. Why?
“I parked the car, and I’m with my family, and, like the reality of getting my family, opening up car seats and things like that, and pulling kids into the facility,” Way said. “And I walk in, and all of our coaches, all the front office, music playing, screaming, yelling, high-fiving, hugs around. I just, I’m just so, I’m pinching myself, dude. This is so surreal, 12 years here, and I made it a point to just tell AP, ‘I’ve been here for 12 years, I didn’t even know teams even did things like this.’ I’ve never been through it, and I just wanted to thank them. And so, it’s such a fun and exciting time to be a part of this franchise. And I’ve been thankful to be here every year I’ve been here, but there’s just a lot of special things going on, and there’s a lot of special people, and I’m just honored to be a part of it.”
When you hear the word “culture,” this defines it. Culture is part winning and part creating an environment where everyone enjoys coming to work. Most importantly, culture is how you treat people. In Washington, it’s not a buzzword anymore. It’s real.
As for Tress Way, he deserved the hero’s welcome he received.
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