Former Tennessee Volunteers: Dustin Colquitt Now Highest Paid Punter In NFL
By Zach Ragan
October 14, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt (2) punts the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
On Monday the Kansas City Chiefs made former Vol Dustin Colquitt the highest paid punter in the NFL. Colquitt signed a five year deal worth $18.75 million. The deal includes $8.9 million in guaranteed money. Colquitt averaged 46.8 yards a punt this past season, while making his first career pro-bowl.
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Colquitt in the third round (99th overall) of the 2005 NFL draft. Colquitt has averaged 44.7 yards a punt over his eight year NFL career, with 2012 being his best season.
Colquitt was a member of the football team at the University of Tennessee from 2001-2004. The four year starter was an All-SEC selection every year during his tenure with the Volunteers. The Knoxville, TN native was also a Ray Guy award finalist his final three years at Tennessee.
The Colquitt family probably has the most distinct family lineage of punters that you’ll find anywhere. Craig Colquitt, Dustin’s father, punted for Tennessee from 1975-1977, and later won two Super Bowl rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Craig’s brother Jimmy Colquitt punted for the Volunteers from 1981-1984, and was later briefly signed by the Seattle Seahawks.
Dustin’s younger brother Britton Colquitt punted for the Vols from 2005-2008, and now plays for the Denver Broncos.
The Colquitt punter legacy might not be quite finished yet either. Dustin Colquitt has two young sons, Brinkley and Colston (in addition to a daughter, Hartley). It’s a little too early to tell if they’ll go into the family business, but history would suggest it’s very likely.
Oh and the career punting leader-board at Tennessee? Well the top four on the list all share the same last name of Colquitt. The bragging rights go to Jimmy Colquitt who comes in at number one, followed by Britton, Dustin and Craig.