Chiefs news: Tommy Townsend earns high praise from Dave Toub

Dave Toub loves what he sees from new Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend.

Tommy Townsend has some big shoes to fill in his rookie season for the Kansas City Chiefs. Since being christened the team’s new punter, expectations are high for Townsend as he attempts to make Chiefs Kingdom forget about the consistent excellence they’ve enjoyed watching Dustin Colquitt for the last 15 years.

If you ask special teams coach Dave Toub, Townsend is ready for the role.

The Chiefs released Colquitt, their longest-tenured player, earlier this offseason in a move to get younger and cheaper at the position. The franchise had drafted Colquitt in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft and had never once brought in a single ounce of competition on the roster—even in offseasons—until a year ago with Jack Fox. This year, they brought in both Townsend and former Notre Dame prospect Tyler Newsome.

The Chiefs originally stated that the job to be the team’s new punter going forward was going to be a “true competition,” but that plan faded as the staff adjusted to an offseason affected by a global pandemic. Rookie minicamps were cancelled. Team meetings went digital. Preseason games were canceled outright, which meant any ability to see them side-by-side in a competitive atmosphere was largely lost.

Instead the Chiefs decided to turn the page on Colquitt by going with their gut and they selected Townsend, a rookie free agent who signed with the Chiefs after going undrafted since turning pro from the University of Florida.

In a recent media session with reporters, special teams coach Dave Toub explained a bit about the team’s pursuit of Townsend in the offseason.

"“We originally saw Tommy at the Combine and, Tommy, I felt he was the best punter at the Combine,” said Toub. “Had a draftable grade on him. Obviously he wasn’t drafted, so he was a guy we went after real strong and those guys did a great job of being able to get him in our building.”"

Toub also spoke glowingly of Townsend’s work so far in training camp, saying, “”I’m really happy with his performance so far.”

"“He’s done a great job. He’s really consistent. He really bombs the ball. He gets the ball off quick. He’s athletic. He’s everything you’re looking for.”"

Given that the Chiefs invested more than $80K to bring him in, the writing was fairly clear that Townsend would be given serious consideration for the punting job if it were to open up. Fortunately it sounds as if Townsend is rewarding the team’s faith in him.