Tom Tupa's professional football career spanned nearly two decades, marked by his unique ability to play both quarterback and punter, and a journey that took him through seven different NFL franchises. From his draft by the Phoenix Cardinals in 1988 to his retirement after a stint with the Washington Redskins in 2006, Tupa's career was a testament to his versatility and longevity. Along the way, he achieved several notable milestones, including scoring
the NFL's first-ever two-point conversion and earning a Super Bowl ring.
Early Career and Dual Roles with the Cardinals
Tupa entered the NFL as the 68th overall pick in the third round of the 1988 NFL Draft, selected by the Phoenix Cardinals. His rookie season saw him exclusively in the quarterback role, playing in two games and completing 4 of 5 passes for 49 yards. However, his dual-threat capabilities quickly became apparent. In his second season, he expanded his responsibilities to include punting, registering six punts for an average of 46.7 yards. After a season in 1990 where he primarily served as a holder on kicks, Tupa returned as the Cardinals' primary quarterback in 1991, participating in 11 games, throwing six touchdowns and 13 interceptions. This early period established his unique position as a player capable of contributing significantly in multiple facets of the game.
Following his time with the Cardinals, Tupa moved to the Indianapolis Colts in 1992, where he served as a backup quarterback behind Jack Trudeau and Jeff George. This season marked the last time he was regularly utilized as a quarterback in a primary capacity. From this point forward, Tupa's career largely shifted to focusing on his punting skills, with his throwing abilities reserved for trick plays or emergency situations, a strategic move that would prolong his NFL tenure.
The Cleveland Browns and a Historic First
After a brief hiatus in 1993, during which he was cut by the Cleveland Browns before the season but later re-signed as a backup, Tupa solidified his role as a starting punter for the Browns for two seasons. It was during his time in Cleveland that Tupa etched his name into NFL history. In the very first week of the 1994 season, playing against the Cincinnati Bengals, he executed a faked extra point attempt, running the ball in for the NFL's first-ever two-point conversion. This innovative play earned him the memorable nickname "Two Point Tupa," a moniker that reflected his unique contribution to the game. He would go on to score a total of three such conversions that season, showcasing his exceptional athleticism and strategic value.
Patriots, Jets, Super Bowl Glory, and Retirement
Tupa's journey continued with the New England Patriots, where he played for three years starting in 1996. His consistent performance as a punter made him a valuable asset. In 1999, he signed with the New York Jets, a move that brought him further recognition. That season, Tupa received his first invitation to the Pro Bowl, a testament to his outstanding punting. He also demonstrated his quarterbacking prowess in an emergency situation during a Week 1 matchup against his former team, the Patriots, completing 6 of 10 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns after the starting quarterback was injured. He remained with the Jets through the 2001 season.
The pinnacle of Tupa's career came in 2002 when he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As the team's punter, he played a crucial role in their Super Bowl XXXVII victory against the Oakland Raiders, earning him a championship ring. After another season with the Buccaneers, Tupa made his final team change, signing with the Washington Redskins before the 2004 NFL season. He spent 2005 on the injured reserve list and did not appear in a game. In the spring of 2006, Tom Tupa officially announced his retirement from professional football, concluding a long and impactful career that saw him evolve from a promising quarterback to a Super Bowl-winning punter and a special teams innovator.
