The Baltimore Ravens are raring to return to the playoffs after finishing with an 8-9 record last season.
Before missing the postseason, the Ravens made it to three straight playoffs with Lamar Jackson as their starting quarterback.
But if they are to return to the playoffs, the Ravens have to do it without one of their longest-tenured players.
ESPN’s Jamison Hensley tweeted, “Ravens punter Sam Koch announced his retirement on Thursday, which ends the career of the longest-tenured player in team history. Koch, who is 39, has played in more games for the Ravens (256) than Terrell Suggs (229) and Ray Lewis (228). Press conference is at 3:30 p.m.”
The Ravens were the only team he played for since he was drafted in the sixth round of the 2006 draft.
Koch was part of the team that won Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers which ended up being Lewis’ final NFL game.
In 2015, he also became a Pro Bowler and a Second-Team All-Pro member.
The Nebraska alumnus finished with 1,168 punt attempts and 52,868 punt yards.
His longest punt went 74 yards and he averaged 45.3 yards per punt.
Koch also had 453 punts that landed inside the red zone.
While his playing days are over, he will remain with the Ravens as special teams consultant.
Who Will Replace Koch As Ravens Punter?
The Ravens drafted Penn State’s Jordan Stout in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
However, he is yet to sign his rookie contract with Baltimore.
Last season, Stout was a First-Team All-Big Ten and the Eddleman-Fields Punter of the Year.
In his final year with the Nittany Lions, Stout punted for 3,083 yards and averaged 46 yards per punt.
He also made 16 out of 23 field goals, but he need not worry about that aspect because the Ravens have one of the best in Justin Tucker.
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