Trenton Gill Bio
Trenton Gill is an American professional football punter who has played for multiple NFL franchises since entering the league in 2022. Born on January 1, 1999, in Burlington, North Carolina, Gill established himself as a standout collegiate punter at NC State before being selected by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. His career trajectory has included stints with the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, demonstrating his resilience and adaptability as a professional athlete at the league’s most demanding specialist position.
Early Life and Background
Trenton Gill grew up in Hillsborough, North Carolina, where he attended Cedar Ridge High School. His multicultural family background includes an English father and a Canadian mother, providing him with a diverse heritage while growing up in the American South. During his high school years, Gill distinguished himself as a versatile athlete, participating not only in football but also competing in soccer and tennis at the varsity level.
While football remained his primary focus, Gill’s involvement in multiple sports helped develop the coordination, footwork, and situational awareness that would later serve him well as a specialist. His abilities as both a kicker and punter caught the attention of college scouts, setting the stage for his transition to the next level.
Path to Professional Football
After graduating from Cedar Ridge High School, Gill enrolled at North Carolina State University, joining the NC State Wolfpack football program. He redshirted his true freshman season in 2017, using that year to adjust to the collegiate level while learning behind experienced specialists. As a redshirt freshman in 2018, Gill served as the backup to All-ACC punter A.J. Cole III, continuing his development and absorbing knowledge from an accomplished predecessor.
When Gill took over as the Wolfpack’s starting punter as a redshirt sophomore, he immediately demonstrated his exceptional talent. He recorded an impressive 47.6 yards per punt average on 56 attempts, a figure that set a new school record and highlighted his powerful leg and precision. His outstanding performance earned him third-team All-ACC honors. Gill continued to refine his craft over the following seasons, culminating in a redshirt senior year where he achieved first-team All-ACC recognition, validating his status as one of the conference’s top specialists during his collegiate career.
Trenton Gill Career
Chicago Bears (2022–2023)
Trenton Gill was selected with the 255th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, becoming only the second NC State punter ever drafted into the NFL. His selection reflected the Bears’ confidence in his abilities developed over five seasons with the Wolfpack. As a rookie, Gill took over punting duties and provided the Bears with a consistent leg throughout the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
During his tenure with Chicago, Gill logged significant game experience while adapting to the speed and demands of professional football. His most notable moment in a Bears uniform came during a Week 2 game against the San Francisco 49ers in 2022, when he was penalized for using a towel to wipe off the field, an unusual incident that made headlines around the league. Despite this memorable mishap, Gill continued to develop as a professional specialist with the organization.
Denver Broncos (2024)
On May 1, 2024, the Chicago Bears waived Gill, a move that came shortly after the team selected punter Tory Taylor in the NFL Draft. This personnel decision marked the end of Gill’s tenure with the organization that had originally drafted him. Less than two weeks later, on May 15, 2024, Gill was signed by the Denver Broncos, where he was brought in to compete against incumbent punter Riley Dixon for the starting position.
The competition with Dixon proved unsuccessful for Gill, as the Broncos made the decision to retain their established punter. On August 26, 2024, Denver waived Gill, ending his brief affiliation with the franchise after just a few months. The experience demonstrated the competitive nature of NFL rosters, particularly for specialist positions where teams often maintain established players.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2024–Present)
Following his release from Denver, Trenton Gill continued his professional journey by signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad on September 24, 2024. This move represented an opportunity to prove himself within a new organization while continuing to hone his skills at the NFL level. His performance during practice squad activities caught the attention of the coaching staff.
On October 23, 2024, the Buccaneers promoted Gill from the practice squad to the active roster, recognizing his preparation and readiness to contribute. His promotion reflected the value teams place on specialists who remain ready despite roster fluctuations. Gill’s journey through multiple organizations showcased his persistence and adaptability, qualities essential for NFL players seeking to establish lasting careers in the league.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a punter, Trenton Gill possesses a powerful leg that translated to his record-setting 47.6-yard average at NC State. His background playing multiple sports at Cedar Ridge High School contributed to his overall athletic development, providing him with coordination and body control essential for consistent punting mechanics. At 6 feet 4 inches and 219 pounds, Gill has the size teams look for in a specialist, enabling him to generate impressive hang time and distance on his kicks.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most memorable moments of Gill’s early career was his unusual penalty during the 2022 season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, when officials flagged him for using a towel on the field. While unintentional, the incident highlighted the intense scrutiny facing NFL specialists and the importance of attention to detail in every aspect of the game. Beyond this unusual moment, his first-team All-ACC recognition and NFL Draft selection remain the cornerstones of his football accomplishments.
Trenton Gill Career Wins
Throughout his collegiate and professional career, Trenton Gill has accumulated significant achievements as a specialist. His NC State career included setting a single-season school record for punting average and earning All-ACC honors twice, establishing him as one of the program’s most accomplished punters. In the NFL, Gill has appeared in multiple games across three seasons with the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Denver Broncos organizations.
College Highlights
During his redshirt sophomore season at NC State, Gill set a school record with his 47.6-yard punting average, a remarkable achievement that demonstrated his exceptional leg strength and consistency. This performance earned him third-team All-ACC honors and signaled his potential as a future professional. As a redshirt senior in 2021, Gill achieved first-team All-ACC recognition, the highest honor available for conference players at his position, validating his development into an elite collegiate specialist.
Throughout his five seasons with the Wolfpack, Gill appeared in numerous games, consistently delivering punts that flipped field position for his defense. His career statistics included over 160 punts for more than 7,000 yards, figures that reflect his reliability and durability as a starting collegiate punter.
Professional Statistics
Through the 2024 NFL season, Trenton Gill has recorded 160 career punts for 7,295 yards, averaging 45.6 yards per punt with 47 punts landing inside the 20-yard line. These statistics represent a solid foundation for a young NFL punter still developing his craft at the professional level. His ability to consistently pin opponents deep in their territory, evidenced by his 47 inside-20 kicks, highlights his value as a field-position weapon.
| Competition Level | Total Punts | Punting Yards | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| College (NC State) | 160+ | 7,000+ | 47.6 |
| NFL (Career through 2024) | 160 | 7,295 | 45.6 |
Trenton Gill Family
Family Background
Trenton Gill’s family background reflects a multicultural heritage, with his father originating from England and his mother from Canada. This international family connection provided Gill with unique perspectives during his upbringing in Hillsborough, North Carolina. While detailed information about his parents remains private, their support has been instrumental in his journey from high school multi-sport athlete to NFL professional.
Personal Life
As a professional athlete, Trenton Gill maintains a focused approach to his career while navigating the demands of life in the NFL. His ability to remain ready for opportunities, demonstrated by his practice squad tenures and roster elevations, reflects the mental resilience required for specialists seeking to establish themselves in the league. Gill continues to pursue excellence at the highest level of American football while representing the teams he has joined throughout his career.
2025 Season Performance
Throughout the 2025 NFL season, Trenton Gill has sought to establish himself as a reliable option at punter for his current franchise. After joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization in late 2024, Gill worked to demonstrate his consistency and value during training camp and the preseason. His journey through multiple NFL organizations has provided him with diverse experiences in different defensive schemes and coaching philosophies, potentially enhancing his adaptability as a specialist.
The competition for roster spots at punter remains among the most challenging aspects of an NFL career, with teams frequently evaluating multiple options throughout the season. Gill’s ability to bounce back from releases and sign with new organizations demonstrates his perseverance and continued belief in his abilities. As the 2025 season progresses, he aims to contribute positively to his team’s special teams performance while building upon his professional experiences.