Jake Bailey (American football)

Bailey attended Santa Fe Christian Schools in Solana Beach, California. During his high school career, he was the nation's fourth-best kicker rated by ESPN and the nation's sixth-best punter rated by 24/7Sports. He lettered in football, track and field, and soccer.^[2]

While at Stanford, Bailey had the longest punt in the school's history at 84 yards. In four years he punted 185 times and is the all-time team leader in career punt average with 43.8 yards per kick. Bailey was a three-time All-Pac-12 Conference honoree and two-time Pac-12 All-Academic honorable mention.^[3]

Bailey was selected by the New England Patriots in the fifth round (163rd overall) of the 2019 NFL draft.^[6]

Upon joining the roster, Bailey competed with incumbent punter Ryan Allen, who had been with the Patriots for six seasons and had won three Super Bowls with the team. Bailey won the competition, and Allen was released on August 19, 2019, after the Patriots' second preseason game.^[3] Bailey served as the Patriots' holder on field goals, as Allen did.^[7] After Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski was placed on injured reserve, Bailey took over kickoff duties as well.^[8]

On September 25, 2019, he was named American Football Conference (AFC) Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts against the New York Jets in Week 3.^[9] He again won the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 11 versus the Philadelphia Eagles, when he had five punts of 50+ yards and six landing inside the 20.^[10]

He averaged 48.7 gross yards per punt, had a long of 71, and landed 31 punts inside the 20 yard line.^[11]

Bailey was one of three Patriots players, along with special teamer Matthew Slater and cornerback Stephon Gilmore, named to the 2021 Pro Bowl.^[12]

In January 2021, Bailey was named to the 2020 AP All-Pro first team at punter, making him the first Patriots punter so honored.^[13] He received 26 of 50 votes.^[14] Bailey was one of three Patriots special teamers named to the team; Gunner Olszewski was named first-team punt returner, and Matthew Slater was named second-team special teamer.

On August 1, 2022, Bailey signed a four-year, $13.5 million contract extension through the 2025 season.^[15] He was placed on injured reserve on November 19, 2022.^[16]

On March 10, 2023, Bailey was released by the Patriots.^[17]

On March 17, 2023, Bailey signed with the Miami Dolphins.^[18]

On March 14, 2024, Bailey re-signed with the Dolphins on a two-year contract extension.^[19][20]

On March 12, 2026, Bailey signed a three-year, $9 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons.^[21]