Long snappers are often the unsung heroes of American football, quietly ensuring the success of every field goal, extra point, and punt with their precise and reliable snapping.
Despite their low profile on the field, their consistency and skill are crucial to a team’s special teams unit. Here are ten of the most remarkable long snappers in NFL history, whose contributions have significantly shaped the game.
10. Don Muhlbach: Death, Taxes, and “Death Star”
Don Muhlbach, nicknamed “Death Star,” was a model of consistency for the Detroit Lions. He played 260 games over 17 seasons, earning two Pro Bowl selections. Muhlbach’s precision and longevity made him one of the most reliable long snappers in NFL history, retiring in 2021 as the second-longest tenured player in Lions franchise history.
9. Kendall Gammon: Pioneering the Position
Kendall Gammon revolutionized the long snapper role during his 15-year NFL career. He became the first pure long snapper selected for the Pro Bowl in 2004 and played an impressive 218 consecutive games. Gammon’s consistency and durability helped establish long snapping as a specialized position, paving the way for future specialists in the league.
8. Brian Jennings: The Pro Bowl Specialist
Brian Jennings played 13 seasons as the San Francisco 49ers’ long snapper from 2000 to 2012. He earned two Pro Bowl selections (2004, 2011) and appeared in 208 consecutive games. Jennings was known for his consistency and durability, contributing to the 49ers’ special teams success for over a decade.
7. Zak DeOssie: A Dynasty of Long Snappers
Zak DeOssie continued his father’s legacy, playing 13 seasons as the New York Giants’ long snapper. A two-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion, DeOssie’s consistency and reliability made him a cornerstone of the Giants’ special teams. He and his father Steve are the only father-son duo to win Super Bowls with the same franchise.
6. Mike Bartrum: The Touchdown-Scoring Long Snapper
Mike Bartrum played 13 NFL seasons, primarily as a long snapper for the Eagles. Uniquely, he also excelled as a tight end, scoring 6 touchdowns on just 11 receptions. Bartrum’s versatility earned him a Pro Bowl selection in 2005, solidifying his status as one of the most dynamic long snappers in NFL history.
5. L.P. Ladouceur: Perfection Personified
L.P. Ladouceur played 253 consecutive games for the Dallas Cowboys over 16 seasons, never missing a snap. His flawless performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection in 2014. Ladouceur holds the record for most NFL games played by a Canadian-born player, showcasing remarkable consistency and longevity in a specialized position.
4. David Binn: The Ironman of Long Snappers
David Binn played an astounding 17 seasons for the San Diego Chargers, appearing in 256 games. He holds the franchise record for most games played and was selected for the 2007 Pro Bowl. Binn’s consistency and durability made him a cornerstone of the Chargers’ special teams unit for nearly two decades, earning him the title of the NFL’s long-snapping ironman.
3. Trey Junkin: A Long-Snapping Legacy
Trey Junkin’s 19-season NFL career spanned six teams, including the Raiders and Cardinals. Known for his consistent snapping, Junkin played 281 games, contributing 17 catches and 7 touchdowns. Despite a notorious botched snap in his final game, Junkin’s longevity and reliability cemented his place among the NFL’s top long snappers.
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2. Jon Dorenbos: The Magician of Long Snapping
Jon Dorenbos played 14 NFL seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He earned two Pro Bowl selections and holds the Eagles’ record for most consecutive games played (162). Dorenbos’s career ended in 2017 due to a life-threatening heart condition, but he was awarded an honorary Super Bowl ring. Off the field, he gained fame as a magician, finishing third on America’s Got Talent.
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1. Patrick Mannelly: The First True Long Snapper Draftee
Patrick Mannelly, drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1998, revolutionized long snapping. He played 16 seasons, setting a Bears record with 245 games. Mannelly’s precision and consistency earned him the title of best long snapper in modern NFL history. The Patrick Mannelly Award, honoring top college long snappers, was established in his name.
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