Ryan Wright

Ryan Wright Bio

Ryan Wright is an American professional football punter currently serving as number 17 for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 1, 2000, in San Ramon, California, Wright has emerged as one of the league’s most consistent punters since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2022. His journey from a dual-position player at California High School to a standout collegiate career at Tulane University and ultimately to NFL success exemplifies his dedication to the sport of football.

Early Life and Background

Ryan Wright grew up in San Ramon, California, where he attended California High School. During his time at Cal High, Wright distinguished himself by playing both punter and quarterback on the varsity team during his junior and senior years. This dual-role experience provided him with a unique perspective on the game, developing skills that would later benefit his punting technique and field awareness. His versatility and performance at the high school level set the foundation for his pursuit of collegiate football at the next tier.

Path to the NFL

Following his high school career, Wright continued his football journey at Tulane University, where he played for the Green Wave from 2018 to 2021. His consistent performance during these four years earned him recognition as a talented collegiate punter. In his final season with Tulane in 2021, Wright achieved the notable distinction of being named First-team All-American Athletic Conference (AAC), validating his status as one of the top punters in the nation and signaling his readiness for professional competition.

Ryan Wright Career

Minnesota Vikings (2022–2025)

Despite being undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Ryan Wright attracted significant interest from NFL teams due to his impressive collegiate career. On April 30, 2022, he signed a three-year, $2.5 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, immediately competing with incumbent punter Jordan Berry for the starting position. Wright’s training camp performance proved his worth, and on August 25, 2022, the Vikings released Berry, cementing Wright as the team’s sole punter for the upcoming season.

Wright’s rookie season showcased his exceptional leg strength and consistency. In Week 6 of the 2022 season, he earned National Football Conference Special Teams Player of the Week honors for his performance against the Miami Dolphins. During that game, Wright delivered a 10-punt performance that included a career-long 73-yard punt, demonstrating his ability to flip the field and impact games through special teams excellence. For the 2022 season overall, Wright punted 73 times for 3,457 total yards, averaging 47.36 yards per punt.

The 2023 season saw Wright continue his development as a reliable NFL punter. He punted 59 times for 2,886 total yards, improving his average to 48.92 yards per punt. His consistency and ability to pin opponents inside their own red zone became trademarks of his game. On March 9, 2025, Wright re-signed with the Vikings on a one-year, $1.75 million contract, demonstrating the organization’s confidence in his abilities and his importance to the team’s special teams unit.

Driving Style and Strengths

Ryan Wright has established himself as a punter with exceptional leg strength and remarkable consistency. His ability to generate high hang time allows coverage units to pursue the ball effectively, while his distance capability gives the Vikings favorable field position. Wright has shown particular skill in directional punting, frequently placing kicks inside the 20-yard line to limit opponents’ return opportunities. His background playing quarterback in high school contributed to his field awareness and decision-making abilities, giving him an edge in high-pressure situations.

Notable Events and Milestones

Among Wright’s most memorable moments was his Week 6 2022 performance against the Miami Dolphins, where he earned his first NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor. The career-long 73-yard punt during that game remains one of the highlights of his young career. His rookie season established him as a reliable option at the punter position, while his subsequent seasons demonstrated his ability to maintain high performance levels year after year.

Ryan Wright Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career, Ryan Wright has compiled impressive statistics that reflect his consistency and effectiveness as a punter. His career totals through the 2025 season demonstrate his value to the teams he has represented.

NFL Career Highlights

Wright’s career statistics as of the 2025 season include 253 punts for 12,118 total yards, averaging 47.9 yards per punt with a longest kick of 77 yards. He has recorded 101 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, showcasing his ability to pin offenses deep and change field position strategically. His 2023 average of 48.92 yards per punt represented a significant improvement from his rookie year, indicating his continued development and refinement of his craft.

College Career

Prior to his NFL success, Wright built a solid collegiate resume at Tulane University. His four-year career with the Green Wave from 2018 to 2021 provided the foundation for his professional opportunities. The culmination of his collegiate career came in 2021 when he earned First-team All-AAC honors, validating his status as one of the premier punters in the conference and nation.

Ryan Wright Family

Personal Life

Ryan Wright was born on June 1, 2000, in San Ramon, California, and grew up in the Bay Area. His athletic career was shaped during his formative years at California High School, where his versatility as both punter and quarterback demonstrated his natural athletic abilities. Wright’s social media presence includes his official accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where he connects with fans of his career.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked a significant chapter in Ryan Wright’s career with the Minnesota Vikings. Returning to the team on a one-year, $1.75 million contract, Wright entered the season as the established starting punter with several years of NFL experience behind him. His performance through the early portions of the season reflected the consistency that had become his hallmark, continuing to provide the Vikings with a reliable weapon in the punt game.

Wright’s relationship with the Vikings’ coaching staff and special teams coordinator had developed significantly since his arrival in 2022. This familiarity allowed him to refine his techniques and adapt his approach based on game situations and opponent tendencies. His ability to execute strategic punts, whether prioritizing distance, hang time, or directional placement, made him an integral component of the Vikings’ special teams operation.

As the 2025 season progressed, Wright’s contributions extended beyond raw statistics. His consistency in flipping the field gave the defense a significant advantage, while his clutch punts in opponent territory limited scoring opportunities for opposing offenses. The Vikings’ confidence in Wright was evident in their decision to retain him for another season, and his performance justified that commitment throughout the campaign.