Commanders fan favorite Tress Way discusses potential retirement

Washington Commanders punter Tress Way. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Commanders fan favorite Tress Way discusses potential retirement

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 10, 2026 5:08 PM ET

The Washington Commanders are one of several teams that are looking to rebound from a down season in 2025.

One player who has been an influential part of the franchise for over a decade is punter Tress Way.

Way is a fan-favorite among Commanders fans, and his announcement on Thursday was sad for not only fans, but also for some of his teammates.

Tress Way will likely retire at the end of the season

Way spoke to the media after Washington's practice on Thursday and revealed that 2026 will likely be his final season.

"This year too will be special because I am pretty sure this will be my last season," Way said. "I talked with AP [Adam Peterson] and DQ [Dan Quinn] to give them heads up and not spring that on them."

Way has spent all 12 seasons of his NFL career with the Commanders, and barring a release or trade, he'll finish his career having spent 13 seasons with one franchise.

Tress Way says he thinks this will be his last season pic.twitter.com/l4nLJA1CMF
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) September 10, 2026

Tress Way's announcements got his teammates choked up

Way is one of five captains this season for the Commanders, along with Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, Frankie Luvu and Jeremy Reaves.

Reaves and Way are best friends off the field, so much so that Way officiated Reaves' wedding. Reaves spoke to media members about Way's likely retirement and got choked up while doing so.

Jeremy Reaves teared up when talking about Tress Way and his likely retirement. pic.twitter.com/raY48MADwH
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 10, 2026

Tress Way has constantly been among the best punters in the league

Way has been one of the NFL's most productive punters over the past seven seasons, averaging 47.5 yards per punt and 43.1 net yards while putting 40.6% of his punts inside the 20.

He's been selected to three Pro Bowls and a second-team All-Pro selection once in his career. Way even has 23 career playoff passing yards, those of which came on a fake punt in the 2024 NFC Championship Game.

Way has consistently provided excellent production. If he does indeed decide to retire after the season, Washington will need to search hard to find the right replacement in terms of both production and leadership.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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