Tom Tupa, born Thomas Joseph Tupa Jr. on February 6, 1966, in Cleveland, Ohio, carved out a remarkable career in American football, distinguishing himself not just as a player, but as a versatile athlete capable of excelling in multiple roles. His journey from a multi-sport high school star to an NFL veteran who played both quarterback and punter showcases a rare adaptability. Tupa's ability to transition between these demanding positions, and even
innovate within special teams, made him a unique figure in the league for nearly two decades.
Early Athletic Prowess and Collegiate Success
Even before his professional career, Tupa demonstrated exceptional athletic talent across various sports. As a child, he participated multiple times in the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition, even winning it once. In high school, he primarily played quarterback, leading his team to a State Championship. His athletic endeavors weren't limited to football; he also played basketball, sharing the court with future NBA coach Eric Musselman and NBA forward Scott Roth. Additionally, Tupa excelled in baseball, playing as both a pitcher and a shortstop. This diverse athletic background laid the foundation for his future versatility.
His collegiate career at Ohio State further solidified his reputation as a dual-threat athlete. After spending three seasons behind Mike Tomczak and Jim Karsatos, Tupa took over as the starting quarterback in 1987. That year, he threw for 2,252 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Remarkably, in the same season, he was also recognized as an All-American punter, a testament to his exceptional skills in both aspects of the game. He was a four-time football letterman and was selected to play in the 1988 Hula Bowl all-star game, underscoring his impact at the collegiate level.
The NFL Journey: From Quarterback to Punter and Innovator
Tupa's professional career began when he was drafted in the third round, 68th overall, of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Phoenix Cardinals. In his rookie year, he was exclusively used as a quarterback, appearing in two games and completing 4 of 5 passes for 49 yards. His second season saw an expanded role, as he began punting, registering six punts for an average of 46.7 yards. After spending the 1990 season primarily as a holder on kicks, he returned as the primary quarterback for the Cardinals in 1991, playing in 11 games, throwing six touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
His transition to primarily a punter became more pronounced after joining the Indianapolis Colts in 1992, where he served as a backup quarterback. Following this season, Tupa almost exclusively punted, with his throwing skills reserved for emergency situations or trick plays. This shift marked a pivotal point in his career, allowing him to extend his playing time in the NFL for many years. He played for several teams throughout his career, including the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Washington Redskins, consistently serving as a punter.
The "Two Point Tupa" and Super Bowl Champion
One of Tupa's most notable contributions to NFL history came during his time with the Cleveland Browns. In the first week of the 1994 season, he scored the first two-point conversion in NFL history against the Cincinnati Bengals. This occurred when he ran in a faked extra point kick attempt. He went on to score a total of three such conversions that season, earning him the memorable nickname "Two Point Tupa." This innovative play highlighted his unique blend of quarterbacking and special teams skills, demonstrating how he could impact a game beyond traditional punting duties.
His career also included significant team achievements. In 1999, while with the New York Jets, Tupa received his first invitation to the Pro Bowl, a recognition of his excellence as a punter. During that same season, he also showcased his quarterbacking abilities in an emergency situation, completing 6 of 10 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns in a game against the Patriots after the starting quarterback was injured. Later in his career, Tupa achieved the ultimate team success, winning Super Bowl XXXVII with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002. He concluded his playing career with the Washington Redskins, spending his final season in 2005 on the injured reserve list before announcing his retirement from professional football in the spring of 2006. His career statistics include 873 punts for 37,862 yards, averaging 43.4 yards per punt, solidifying his legacy as a highly effective and versatile NFL player.
