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Matt Turk facts for kids

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For the singer/songwriter, see Matt Turk (musician).
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Matt Turk
refer to caption
Turk in 2010
No. 1
Position: Punter
Personal information
Born: (1968-06-16) June 16, 1968 (age 57)
Greenfield, Wisconsin, U.S.
Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight: 251 lb (114 kg)
Career information
High school: Greenfield
College: UW–Whitewater (1988–1990)
Undrafted: 1993
Career history
Career highlights and awards
  • First-team All-Pro (1996)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (1996–1998)
Career NFL statistics
Punts: 1,143
Punt yards: 48,414
Average: 42.8
Player stats at PFR
Matt Turk punt Texans vs Cowboys
Matt Turk punting for the Texans in 2010

Matthew Edward Turk (born June 16, 1968) is a former American football player. He was a punter in the National Football League (NFL). Matt started his NFL journey with the Green Bay Packers in 1993. He played college football at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.

Matt was chosen for the Pro Bowl three times. He also played for many other teams. These teams include the Los Angeles Rams, Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, St. Louis Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans. Matt is one of the tallest punters in NFL history.

Matt Turk's Early Life and College Football

Matt Turk grew up in Greenfield, Wisconsin. He finished Greenfield High School in 1986.

He then went to the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Matt played college football for the Warhawks. He graduated in 1993 with a degree in elementary education.

While playing for the Warhawks, Matt averaged 36.3 yards per punt. His team won the Wisconsin State University Conference Championship in 1990. Matt also played as a tight end for his college team.

Matt Turk's Professional Football Career

Before joining the NFL, Matt Turk played for the Racine Raiders. He signed with the Green Bay Packers in 1993. He also signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 1994. However, he did not make the final team roster for either of these teams.

Playing for the Washington Redskins

On April 5, 1995, the Washington Redskins signed Matt Turk. This was the first time he made it onto an NFL team's main roster. In 1996, he was named a First Team All-Pro. This is a big honor for a player.

He stayed with the Redskins until March 9, 2000. At that time, he was traded to the Miami Dolphins. This trade happened because of an injury Matt had.

Time with the Miami Dolphins

Matt Turk played for the Dolphins for two seasons. He was with them during the 2000 and 2001 NFL seasons.

Joining the New York Jets

On April 23, 2002, Matt signed with the New York Jets. He played for them for one season. The Jets released him on March 7, 2003.

Returning to the Miami Dolphins

Matt Turk rejoined the Dolphins on September 29, 2003. This happened after another punter, Mark Royals, had a tough time. Matt also visited the Green Bay Packers, his first NFL team.

He decided to re-sign with the Dolphins on March 23, 2004. He was later placed on injured reserve. This meant he couldn't play due to an injury. The Dolphins released him on October 12, 2005.

Second Time with the St. Louis Rams

On April 4, 2006, Matt Turk signed a one-year deal with the St. Louis Rams. This was 12 years after he first signed with the team.

Playing for the Houston Texans

The Houston Texans signed Matt Turk in 2007. He competed for the punter job and won it. He was re-signed for a two-year contract on March 19, 2008.

On March 9, 2010, he signed another one-year contract to stay with the Texans. He was not re-signed by the team in 2011.

Short Time with the Jacksonville Jaguars

On July 28, 2011, Matt Turk signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was released on October 11, 2011. This happened after he had a difficult game against the Bengals.

Back with the Houston Texans

After another Texans player, Brett Hartmann, got injured, Matt Turk returned to the team. He said it was a "dream come true" to play for the Texans again.

Matt Turk's NFL Career Statistics

Legend
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular Season Performance

Year Team Games Played Punting Stats
Punts Yards Average Longest Blocked
1995 WAS 16 74 3,140 42.4 60 0
1996 WAS 16 75 3,386 45.1 63 0
1997 WAS 16 84 3,788 45.1 62 1
1998 WAS 16 93 4,103 44.1 69 1
1999 WAS 14 62 2,564 41.4 57 0
2000 MIA 16 92 3,870 42.1 70 0
2001 MIA 16 81 3,321 41.0 77 0
2002 NYJ 16 63 2,584 41.0 65 0
2003 MIA 13 68 2,631 38.7 57 0
2004 MIA 16 98 4,088 41.7 67 0
2005 MIA 0 did not play due to injury
2006 STL 16 72 3,132 43.5 74 1
2007 HOU 16 55 2,296 41.7 59 0
2008 HOU 16 53 2,240 42.3 59 0
2009 HOU 16 67 2,866 42.8 62 0
2010 HOU 16 63 2,650 42.1 60 0
2011 JAX 5 27 1,072 39.7 65 0
HOU 4 16 683 42.7 55 0
Career 244 1,143 48,414 42.4 77 3

Postseason Performance

Year Team Games Played Punting Stats
Punts Yards Average Longest Blocked
1999 WAS 2 12 499 41.6 52 0
2000 MIA 2 9 343 38.1 51 0
2001 MIA 1 5 237 47.4 52 0
2002 NYJ 2 4 137 34.3 39 0
2011 HOU 2 10 451 45.1 56 0
Career 9 40 1,667 41.7 56 0

Matt Turk's Family Life

Matt Turk lives in Houston, Texas with his wife, Stephanie. They have three daughters.

Matt is the youngest of six brothers. One of his brothers, Dan Turk, also played in the NFL. Dan was a center for 15 seasons. Sadly, Dan passed away on December 24, 2000.

In Dan's last season, he was the long snapper for one of Matt's punts. This was a special moment. They were the first brothers to do this in an NFL game.

Matt's nephew, Ben Turk, was a punter for the University of Notre Dame. He played there from 2010 to 2012. Another nephew, Michael Turk, was a punter for Arizona State. He later transferred to Oklahoma in 2021. In April 2023, Michael signed with the Miami Dolphins, one of his uncle's former teams.

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