Tom Tupa carved out a distinctive career in the National Football League (NFL) by excelling in multiple roles, a rarity in modern professional football. While initially drafted as a quarterback, Tupa's adaptability and skill as a punter allowed him to maintain a long and impactful presence in the league. His journey from a college quarterback to an All-American punter, and later an NFL innovator, showcases a remarkable blend of athletic talent and strategic
utility that few players achieve. His career highlights include not only his prowess as a punter but also his surprising contributions as a passer and a special teams specialist.
From Ohio State Quarterback to All-American Punter
Tom Tupa's collegiate career at Ohio State University laid the groundwork for his future versatility. After spending three seasons behind Mike Tomczak and Jim Karsatos, Tupa took over the starting quarterback position in 1987. During that season, he demonstrated his passing abilities by throwing for 2,252 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. This performance was notable, but it was his simultaneous excellence as a punter that truly set him apart. In the same year, Tupa was recognized as an All-American punter and also earned All-Big 10 honors, highlighting his dual-threat capabilities.
His four-year tenure at Ohio State saw him earn four football letterman awards, a testament to his consistent contribution to the team. His collegiate success culminated in an invitation to play in the 1988 Hula Bowl all-star game, further solidifying his reputation as a top prospect. This unique combination of skills—being a starting quarterback and an All-American punter—was a strong indicator of the unconventional path his professional career would take.
Early NFL Career: Quarterback and Punter
Drafted in the third round (68th overall) of the 1988 NFL draft by the Phoenix Cardinals, Tupa initially entered the professional ranks primarily as a quarterback. His second season with the Cardinals saw an expanded role, where he started two games at quarterback while also registering six punts for an impressive average of 46.7 yards per punt. This early period demonstrated the Cardinals' willingness to utilize his diverse skill set, even if his primary position was still quarterback.
After spending the entire 1990 season strictly as a holder on kicks, Tupa returned to a more prominent quarterback role the following year. In 1991, he played in 11 games for the Cardinals, throwing six touchdowns against 13 interceptions. This period marked the last time Tupa was regularly used as a quarterback in the NFL. Following his time with the Cardinals, he joined the Indianapolis Colts in 1992 as a backup for quarterbacks Jack Trudeau and Jeff George. After 1992, his role shifted almost exclusively to punting, with his throwing skills reserved only for emergency situations or trick plays, signaling a definitive turn in his professional focus.
The "Two Point Tupa" and Pro Bowl Recognition
After a brief hiatus in 1993, Tupa re-signed with the Cleveland Browns as a backup in November following an injury to starting quarterback Vinny Testaverde and the release of Bernie Kosar. He remained with the Browns for two seasons as their starting punter, but it was during this time that he earned a memorable nickname. In the first week of the 1994 season, Tupa scored the first two-point conversion in NFL history by running in a faked extra point kick attempt for the Browns against the Cincinnati Bengals. He went on to score a total of three such conversions that season, earning him the moniker "Two Point Tupa." This innovative play highlighted his athleticism and the strategic value he brought to special teams.
His career continued to evolve, and in 1999, Tupa signed with the New York Jets. This season proved to be a career highlight, as he received his first invitation to the Pro Bowl, a testament to his consistent excellence as a punter. During the Jets' week one matchup against his former team, the Patriots, Tupa was thrust into the quarterback role in the first quarter after Vinny Testaverde suffered a torn Achilles tendon. Under NFL rules at the time, using an emergency quarterback before the fourth quarter meant the starting and backup quarterbacks could not play for the remainder of the game. Tupa performed admirably, completing 6-of-10 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his success, he was moved back to punting in the third quarter, and the Jets switched to emergency quarterback Rick Mirer, ultimately losing the game. Tupa remained with the Jets through the 2001 season, continuing his high-level punting performance.
Later Career and Memorable Moments
Before the start of the 2004 NFL season, Tupa signed with the Washington Redskins. In 2004, he was named a Pro Bowl second alternate, further cementing his reputation as one of the league's top punters. He spent the 2005 season on the injured reserve list and did not appear in a game. Tupa's career was marked by both consistent performance and a few unforgettable, albeit sometimes challenging, moments. One such moment occurred in an overtime loss during the 2002 season-opener against the New Orleans Saints.
During a punt attempt from the Buccaneers' five-yard line, pressure from a Saints defender forced Tupa to abort the punt. In a desperate attempt, he threw a pass with his non-throwing arm, which was intercepted by a Saints defender and returned for a touchdown, ending the game. This play, while unfortunate, underscored his willingness to improvise and his unique background as a former quarterback. Tupa's career stands as a testament to his remarkable versatility and longevity in a league that often demands highly specialized skills, making him a truly unique figure in NFL history.
