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Overview
Thomas Morstead is a punter for the New Orleans Saints, who selected him with the 164th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Morstead served as a kicker and punter at SMU, where he was a three-time All-Conference USA selection. Morstead is listed at 6-5, 215 pounds.
Prep Career
Morstead went to Pearland HS in Pearland, Texas where he was a member of the National Honor Society and an academic all-state honoree.
College Career
At SMU, Morstead didn't see any playing time in 2005 after redshirting in 2004. In 2006, he was third-team all conference after averaging 43.8 yards per punt. It was the best average for an SMU punter since Craig James averaged 44.9 in 1982. He also made 13-18 FG. As a junior in 2007, Morstead was a first-team All-Conference USA pick by both the coaches and media, leading the conference in punting (eighth in the nation) with a 44.6 average. He also made 13-20 FG. Twenty-one of his 57 punts were inside the 20-yard line. A 2008 First Team Preseason All-Conference USA selection, Morstead was invited to the Under Armour Senior Bowl after averaging 41.8 yards per punt and making 11-15 FG in 2008.
NFL Career
Morstead was selected in the fifth round (164th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. Before the 2009 season, Morstead signed a contract with New Orleans. Terms were not disclosed.
Morstead ranked 32nd in the NFL in net punting average as a rookie, finishing the 2009 season with 58 punts for 2,090 net yards (36.0 net yards per punt). Morstead punted 11 times in the Saints first two playoff games in 2009, leading the NFL with a net average of 45.0, and helping the Saints reach Super Bowl XLIV. Morstead opened the second half of the Super Bowl with an onside kick -- the first such kick outside the fourth quarter in Super Bowl history -- helping the Saints gain momentum and beat the Colts to earn their first championship.
Morstead ranked 32nd in the NFL in net punting average as a rookie, finishing the 2009 season with 58 punts for 2,090 net yards (36.0 net yards per punt). Morstead punted 11 times in the Saints first two playoff games in 2009, leading the NFL with a net average of 45.0, and helping the Saints reach Super Bowl XLIV. Morstead opened the second half of the Super Bowl with an onside kick -- the first such kick outside the fourth quarter in Super Bowl history -- helping the Saints gain momentum and beat the Colts to earn their first championship.
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