Dirk Johnson Dirk Johnson ( born June 1 , 1975 ) is a retired American football punter . He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1998 . He played college football at Northern Colorado . Johnson has also been a member of the New York Jets , San Diego Chargers , New Orleans Saints , Philadelphia Eagles , Chicago Bears , Arizona Cardinals , Washington Redskins , Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers . College career . Johnson played college football as a punter and defensive back at the University of Northern Colorado . While there he was a three - time All American selection ( as a punter in 1995 , as a defensive back and punter in 1996 and as a defensive back in 1997 ) . He helped lead the UNC Bears to two NCAA Division II national championships ( ' 96 and ' 97 ) . Johnson finished his college career ranked 2nd on the school ' s all - time list with a 40 . 8 - yard career punting average . He was first - team All - North Central Conference at safety in 1997 and at punter in 1995 and 1996 . Professional career . Seattle Seahawks . Johnson was signed as a rookie free agent by the Seattle Seahawks on April 28 , 1998 . He was released on August 25 , 1998 . New York Jets . Johnson signed with the New York Jets on April 7 , 1999 . He was released on August 21 , 1999 . San Diego Chargers . The San Diego Chargers signed Johnson on May 4 , 2001 . They released him on August 27 , 2001 . New Orleans Saints . In 2002 , Johnson played one game with the New Orleans Saints . In the spring of that same year he played with their NFL Europe team , the Rhein Fire , and appeared in the World Bowl . Philadelphia Eagles . In 2003 , Johnson was picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent . During his four years with the Eagles he had an average of 41 . 7 yards per kick and played in the 2004 Super Bowl . He was assigned the role of placeholder after the release of Koy Detmer and addition of Jeff Garcia . Johnson was released for the 2007 season on the final day of cuts , with Australian Saverio Rocca favoured as the Eagles punter . Chicago Bears . The Chicago Bears signed Johnson on September 16 , 2007 to temporarily replace veteran punter Brad Maynard , who sustained a minor injury in the previous week . Ironically , after 4 punts with a 49 . 8 yard average and 60 yard long punt , Johnson also sustained an injury , and was replaced by place kicker Robbie Gould . On September 24 , 2007 the Bears released him . Arizona Cardinals . Johnson was signed by the Arizona Cardinals on March 5 , 2008 . He appeared in 12 games for the Cardinals that season , punting 40 times for a 41 . 8 - yard average . The Cardinals released him on December 1 in favor of Ben Graham , this became the second time Johnson has been cut in favor of an Australian punter . Washington Redskins . Johnson was signed by the Washington Redskins on March 5 , 2009 to compete with Zac Atterberry for the team ' s punting job . However he was released on April 23 , 2009 after the team signed Hunter Smith . Pittsburgh Steelers . Johnson was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers on May 1 , 2009 . He was released on June 12 , 2009 . Tampa Bay Buccaneers . Johnson was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 13 , 2009 after a hip injury to Josh Bidwell . Johnson was placed on injured reserve on November 30 , 2009 due to a hamstring injury . He was released on March 4 , 2010 .