Bradley Pinion
refer to caption
Pinion with the San Francisco 49ers in 2016
No. 13 – Atlanta Falcons
Position:Punter, Kickoff specialist
Personal information
Born: (1994-06-01) June 1, 1994 (age 28)
Concord, North Carolina, U.S.
Height:6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:229 lb (104 kg)
Career information
High school:Northwest Cabarrus
(Kannapolis, North Carolina)
College:Clemson (2012–2014)
NFL Draft:2015 / Round: 5 / Pick: 165
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2022
Punts:564
Punting yards:24,772
Average punt:43.9
Longest punt:73
Inside 20:196
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Bradley Alexander Pinion (born June 1, 1994) is an American football punter and kickoff specialist for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Clemson and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Early years

Pinion attended Northwest Cabarrus High School in Concord, North Carolina.[1] He committed to Clemson University to play college football.[2]

College career

Pinion played college football at Clemson from 2012 to 2014 under head coach Dabo Swinney.[3]

As a freshman in the 2012 season, Pinion only appeared in five games with teammate Spencer Benton doing a majority of the work that season.[4] On September 8, he made his collegiate debut in the 52–27 win over Ball State. In the game, he had three punts for 117 net yards (39.0 average).[5] Overall, in the 2012 season, he recorded nine punts for 355 net yards (39.4 average).[6]

As a sophomore in the 2013 season, Pinion became the main punter for the Tigers. That season, he handled the punting duties for all but three attempts, which went to Ammon Lakip and Andy Teasdall.[7] In the season opener, against the Georgia Bulldogs, Pinion had a season-high seven punts for a season-high 287 net yards (41.0 average).[8] In the next game, against South Carolina State, he had four punts for 195 net yards for a season-high 48.8 average. [9] Overall, in the 2013 season, he had 56 punts for 2,205 net yards for a 39.4 average.[10]

As a junior in the 2014 season, Pinion continued his role as the main punter for the Tigers. That season, he handled all but one punt, which went to Andy Teasdall. He attempted and converted three extra points on the season.[11] In the season opener, against the Georgia Bulldogs, Pinion had a season-high ten punts for a season-high 451 net yards (45.1 average).[12] In two consecutive games in October, against Louisville and Boston College, he recorded games with 10 punts in each contest with 419 and 418 net punting yards respectively.[13][14] On November 6, against Wake Forest, he recorded three punts for 147 net yards for a season-high 49.0 average.[15] In his final collegiate game, against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Russell Athletic Bowl, he recorded five punts for 217 net yards (43.4 average).[16] Throughout his junior season, teammates referred to Pinion as "the steering column" for his remarkable control over the direction of his punts. Pinion elected to forgo his senior season and decided to enter the NFL Draft.[17]

College statistics

Season Team Conf Class Punting
Punts Yds Avg XPM XPA XP% Pts
2012 Clemson ACC FR 9 355 39.4 — — — —
2013 Clemson ACC SO 56 2,205 39.4 — — — —
2014 Clemson ACC JR 75 3,194 42.6 3 3 100.0 3
Career 140 5,754 41.1 3 3 100.0 3

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash
6 ft 5 in
(1.96 m) 		229 lb
(104 kg) 		32+1⁄4 in
(0.82 m) 		10+1⁄8 in
(0.26 m)		 5.18 s
All values from NFL Draft[18][19][20]

San Francisco 49ers

Pinion was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round, 165th overall, of the 2015 NFL Draft.[21] He was the only punter to be selected in the draft that year.[22]

2015 season: Rookie year

In the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, Pinion had three punts for 140 net yards (46.67 average) in his NFL debut.[23] In Week 9, against the Atlanta Falcons, he recorded five punts for 241 net yards for a season-high 48.20 average.[24] In Week 13, against the Chicago Bears, he recorded 9 punts for a season-high 433 net yards (48.11 average).[25]

Pinion finished his rookie season with 91 punts for 3,969 net yards for a 43.62 average.[26]

2016 season

Pinion began his second NFL season with very similar statistics in the first 3 games. In the season opener, against the Los Angeles Rams, he recorded seven punts for 319 net yards (45.57 average) in the 28–0 shutout victory.[27] In the next game against the Carolina Panthers, he recorded seven punts for 318 net yards (45.43 average) in the 46–27 road loss.[28] The following week against the Seattle Seahawks, he recorded seven punts for 319 net yards in the 37–18 road loss.[29]

During Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, he recorded seven punts for 349 net yards for a season-high 49.86 average in the 33–21 loss.[30] In Week 16, in the second divisional game against the Rams, Pinion recorded a season-high nine punts for a season-high 372 net yards (41.33 average) in the narrow 22–21 road victory.[31]

Pinion finished his second professional season with 100 punts for 4,402 net yards for a 44.02 average in 2016.[32] His 100 punts led the league in attempts.[33]

2017 season

Pinion and Robbie Gould in a game against the Washington Redskins
Pinion and Robbie Gould in a game against the Washington Redskins

Pinion remained as the 49ers' punter going into his third professional season. During a Week 4 18–15 overtime road loss to the Arizona Cardinals, he recorded seven punts for 351 net yards for a season-high 50.14 average.[34] During Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles, he recorded eight punts for a season-high 364 net yards (44.00 average) in the 33–10 road loss.[35] During a Week 12 24–13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Pinion recorded a season-high nine punts for 342 net yards (38.00 average).[36] Pinion recorded a then career-low 75 punts for 3,255 net yards for a 43.4 average in 2017.[37]

2018 season

During the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, Pinion recorded four punts for 174 yards in the 24–16 road loss. In a Week 9 37–3 victory over the Oakland Raiders, Pinion recorded three punts for 164 net yards for a 54.7 average, including a season-long 64-yard punt. His performance against the Raiders earned him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.[38] Pinion recorded a then career-low 68 punts for 2,973 net yards for a 43.7 average in 2018.[39]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2019 season

On March 13, 2019, Pinion signed a four-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[40] Overall, Pinion played in all 16 games and recorded a then career-low 57 punts for 2,464 net yards for a 43.23 average in 2019.[41]

2020 season

Pinion was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on December 15, 2020,[42] and activated three days later.[43] Overall, Pinion played in all 16 games and recorded a career-low 55 punts for 2,486 net yards for a 45.2 average in 2020.[44] He appeared in Super Bowl LV against the Kansas City Chiefs. He punted four times for 150 net yards for a 37.5 net average in the 31–9 victory.[45][46]

2021 season

During the season-opening 31-29 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, Pinion punted four times with an average of 49.3 yards, including three inside the 10-yard line, earning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.[47][48] In the 2021 season, Pinion punted 56 times for 2,378 net yards for a 42.46 average.[49]

On June 22, 2022, Pinion was released by the Buccaneers.[50]

Atlanta Falcons

On June 30, 2022, Pinion signed with the Atlanta Falcons.[51] He then signed a three-year, $8.65 million contract extension on March 13, 2023.[52]

NFL career statistics

Legend
Won the Super Bowl
Led the league
Bold Career high
Regular season statistics
Year Team GP Punting
Punts Yds Avg Blk Lng
2015 SF 16 91 3,969 43.6 0 62
2016 SF 16 100 4,402 44.0 0 65
2017 SF 16 75 3,255 43.4 0 59
2018 SF 16 68 2,973 43.7 1 64
2019 TB 16 57 2,464 43.2 0 63
2020 TB 16 55 2,486 45.2 0 62
2021 TB 15 56 2,378 42.5 0 65
Career 111 502 21,927 43.7 1 65
Postseason statistics
Year Team GP Punting
Punts Yds Avg Blk Lng
2020 TB 4 13 540 41.5 0 53
2021 TB 2 11 553 50.3 0 61
Career 6 24 1,093 45.5 0 61

Personal life

Pinion is married to Kaeleigh Pinion.[53] He is a Christian.[54]

Pinion is a supporter of Compassion International.[55]

References

  1. ^ Hutton, Henry (May 15, 2017). "Living the Dream: Ex-Northwest Cabarrus star growing as player, person with San Francisco 49ers". The Independent Tribune. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  2. ^ "Bradley Pinion, Northwest Cabarrus , Kicker". 247Sports. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
  3. ^ "Bradley Pinion College Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  4. ^ "2012 Clemson Tigers Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  5. ^ "Ball State at Clemson Box Score, September 8, 2012". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  6. ^ "Bradley Pinion 2012 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  7. ^ "2013 Clemson Tigers Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  8. ^ "Georgia at Clemson Box Score, August 31, 2013". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  9. ^ "South Carolina State at Clemson Box Score, September 7, 2013". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  10. ^ "Bradley Pinion 2013 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  11. ^ "2014 Clemson Tigers Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  12. ^ "Clemson at Georgia Box Score, August 30, 2014". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  13. ^ "Louisville at Clemson Box Score, October 11, 2014". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  14. ^ "Clemson at Boston College Box Score, October 18, 2014". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  15. ^ "Clemson at Wake Forest Box Score, November 6, 2014". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  16. ^ "Russell Athletic Bowl – Oklahoma vs Clemson Box Score, December 29, 2014". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  17. ^ Rodgers, Joe (January 6, 2015). "Clemson punter to forgo senior year, enter NFL Draft". Sporting News. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  18. ^ "Bradley Pinion Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  19. ^ "-Bradley Pinion, Clemson, P, 2015 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football". www.draftscout.com.
  20. ^ "Bradley Pinion, Combine Results, P – Clemson". nflcombineresults.com. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  21. ^ Emerick, Tyler (May 2, 2015). "San Francisco 49ers Draft Clemson P Bradley Pinion". 49ers.com. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  22. ^ "2015 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  23. ^ "Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers – September 14th, 2015". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  24. ^ "Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers – November 8th, 2015". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  25. ^ "San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears – December 6th, 2015". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  26. ^ "Bradley Pinion 2015 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  27. ^ "Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers – September 12th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  28. ^ "San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers – September 18th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  29. ^ "San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks – September 25th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  30. ^ "Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers – October 6th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  31. ^ "San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams – December 24th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  32. ^ "Bradley Pinion 2016 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  33. ^ "2016 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  34. ^ "San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals – October 1st, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  35. ^ "San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles – October 29th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  36. ^ "Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers – November 26th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  37. ^ "Bradley Pinion 2017 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  38. ^ "Kareem Hunt, Michael Thomas among Players of the Week". NFL.com. November 7, 2018. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
  39. ^ "Bradley Pinion 2018 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
  40. ^ Smith, Scott (March 13, 2019). "Bucs Boot Up Free Agency with Punter Bradley Pinion". Buccaneers.com. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
  41. ^ "Bradley Pinion 2019 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  42. ^ Vitali, Carmen (December 15, 2020). "Specialists Succop, Pinion & Triner Placed on Reserve/COVID-19 List". Buccaneers.com. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  43. ^ Smith, Scott (December 18, 2020). "Bucs Specialists Activated from Reserve/COVID-19 List". Buccaneers.com. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  44. ^ "Bradley Pinion 2020 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  45. ^ Patra, Kevin (February 7, 2021). "What we learned from Buccaneers win over Chiefs in Super Bowl LV". NFL.com. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  46. ^ "Super Bowl LV – Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Kansas City Chiefs – February 7th, 2021". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  47. ^ Gordon, Grant (September 15, 2021). "Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, Rams QB Matthew Stafford lead Players of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  48. ^ "Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – September 9th, 2021". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  49. ^ "Bradley Pinion 2021 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  50. ^ Smith, Scott (June 23, 2022). "Bucs Release Punter Bradley Pinion". Buccaneers.com. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  51. ^ McElhaney, Tori (June 30, 2022). "Falcons sign veteran punter to special teams unit". AtlantaFalcons.com. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  52. ^ McElhaney, Tori (March 13, 2023). "Falcons sign punter, kickoff specialist Bradley Pinion to three-year deal". AtlantaFalcons.com.
  53. ^ Pinion, Bradley (June 24, 2018). "Introducing The Pinions!!". Twitter. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  54. ^ Mercer, Kevin (September 12, 2019). "Buccaneers punter Bradley Pinion's incredible story of the 'angel' who influenced him to attend Clemson". Sports Spectrum. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  55. ^ Mercer, Kevin. "Falcons punter Bradley Pinion reps Jesus with words, Compassion International with cleats". Sports Spectrum. Retrieved December 8, 2022.

External links

San Francisco 49ers 2015 NFL draft selections
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl LV champions
Atlanta Falcons roster
Categories