Tress Way signals heartbreaking end of an era Commanders fans aren't ready for

The Washington Commanders are set to kick off their 2026 season when they take on the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.

And for one player, it seems like the start of an emotional farewell tour.

Longstanding punter Tress Way has been Washington's unsung hero for 13 years. In certain seasons, he's arguably been the team's best player. In others, he's been a key cog in the machine.

Tress Way's 2026 season could be his last ride with the Commanders

He's made three Pro Bowls, is a second-team All-Pro, and has more passing yards in the NFC Championship game than Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

Now, the 36-year-old Way is hinting at contemplating retirement. Unless he has a change of heart, it's truly the end of an era.

Way told reporters on Thursday that he believes 2026 will be his final season. What a journey it's been for the 2013 undrafted free agent, who was cut twice by the Chicago Bears before catching on in Washington.

The Oklahoma product has played with Jayden Daniels and Sonny Styles. He's also played with Santana Moss and Brian Orakpo.

He's suited up for three full-time head coaches and worn three different team names on his jersey. Way's time in Washington predates the team's second-longest-tenured player, defensive lineman Daron Payne, by four seasons.

Even in his late 30s, Way hasn't lost a step.

Tress Way's exceptional influence will be hard for the Commanders to replace

Last season, he averaged 43.9 net yards per punt — his highest mark since 2020 — to secure another Pro Bowl selection. If he wants to, Way probably could still have another five years in him.

But all things must come to an end. And the Commanders must prepare themselves for the inevitable hole they'll have to fill.

And elite legs in the NFL don't grow on trees.

Commanders fans know this all too well from their lack of stability at kicker over the past decade. They've tried one option after another, but they've never landed on a long-term solution they can trust in any situation.

Washington has never had to worry about that at punter, because they have Way.

He's never won the team any games single-handedly, but he's also never been the reason they've lost any. And at his position, that's all you're asking for.

Whether it's next year or the year after, the Commanders will one day have to replace Way. It's going to be much harder than it sounds, and that's not even getting into his status as an unquestioned leader and world-class teammate in the locker room.

If this is it for Way, it'll be a season full of respect and gratitude from his Commanders family.

But we're still hoping we won't need to schedule his retirement ceremony just yet.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow