Jacksonville Jaguars: 30 greatest players in franchise history

• 1x First-Team All-Pro (1997)
• 1x Pro Bowl (1997)
• Most career punts (456), punt yards (19,849) in franchise history
• Longest punt in Jaguars history (83)

Given that the Jaguars haven’t been around for even 30 years, it should come as no shock how few punters have played professionally in North Florida. However, the first to do it might still the best in the form of Bryan Barker.

Barker came to the Jaguars ahead of their first season in 1995. He had played his first four professional seasons out of Santa Clara with the Kansas City Chiefs and just one year with the 1994 Philadelphia Eagles before arrival in Duval County. Turns out, this would be great for both Barker and the Jaguars organization.

Barker would experience his prime as a punter while playing for Jacksonville. The Jaguars made the playoffs four straight seasons from 1996 to 1999, and Barker was there for all of it. While the Jaguars made AFC Championship appearances in 1996 and 1999, Barker’s best season with the club would come in 1997. He made his only career trip to the Pro Bowl that season, earning a first-team All-Pro nod in the process.

In 1999, Barker had the best punt of his life. Playing the New York Jets in Week 5, Barker remarkably booted an 83-yard punt. That kick went from the Jacksonville 5-yard line all the way to the New York 12-yard line. This remains a franchise record for longest punt, and may never be broken. Seriously, who can boot an 83-yard punt?

After the 2000 NFL season, Barker would bounce around the league for the next five seasons. He spent 2001 to 2003 with the Washington Redskins, the 2004 season with the Green Bay Packers and the 2005 season with the then St. Louis Rams before retiring.

Barker still holds the Jacksonville franchise record for most career punts at 456 and punt yardage at 19,849. Those numbers may be eclipsed one day, but that 83-yard punt will likely remain the defining moment of his strong Jacksonville career.