It was 25 years ago today that Sean Landeta first punted in a professional game. On March 6, 1983, he punted for the USFL's Philadelphia Stars against the Denver Gold.
Landeta, who punted for 22 NFL seasons, in addition to three in the USFL, has officially retired.
"I chose this day for a good reason,” said Landeta, 46. "First, on this day in 1983 is when it all started for me. On this date in 1997, my son Joey was born. Retirement is just another great thing to happen for me on March 6. This will be a great day for me to remember throughout my lifetime. As far as my future is concerned, I’ve had the opportunity to stay close to the game through the media, personal appearances, and speaking engagements. Hopefully this will continue."
A native of Towson, Maryland, Landeta started his professional career with three seasons in the USFL (1983-85) starring for the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars. Landeta then joined the National Football League playing for the Giants (1985-93, and 2006), Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams (1993-96, and 2003-04), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1997), Green Bay Packers (1998), and Philadelphia Eagles (1999-2002, and 2005).
He owns an unmatched streak of 17 straight seasons with a punting average of over 42-yards. Among NFL players with 1,000 career punts, he ranks second only to Rohn Stark on the NFL’s all-time list with 43.3 yard average. As a punter, Landeta finishes behind only Jeff Feagles in games played (284), number of punts (1,401), punting yards (60,706), and punts inside the 20 (381). He is the all-time leading punter in terms of average (minimum 250 punts) for three NFL teams – Giants (43.4), Rams (44.1), and Eagles (42.8) – something no other punter in NFL history can claim.
Landeta played on two USFL Championships with the Stars (1983 and 1984) and two Super Bowl Champions with the Giants (1986 and 1990).
Landeta will always remember the Giants fondly.
"The Giants organization is where I spent the most of my time as a professional," he said. "Their ownership, front office, and fans were so instrumental in many of the great things that happened to me then, and even to this day. To be part of two Super Bowl winning teams with a franchise that has their history is very special to me. I will always appreciate everything the Giant franchise and their fans have done for me in the past, and as I state earlier, still do to this day."