Biography
Tom Hackett, born on May 10, 1992, in Melbourne, Australia, is a former professional American football punter known for his successful collegiate and professional career. He played college football at the University of Utah, where he earned recognition as one of the top punters in the NCAA, culminating in winning the prestigious Ray Guy Award in 2014, which is awarded annually to the best punter in college football.
After going undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft, Hackett signed with the New York Jets, where he showcased his skills during the offseason and preseason. His tenure with the team included a strong performance that highlighted his ability to change field position effectively, although he ultimately faced competition for the starting punter position, which led to his release in 2016.
Following his time with the Jets, Hackett's career included stints with other NFL teams and a brief period in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He is credited with helping to elevate the profile of Australian punters in the NFL, paving the way for future players from Australia to pursue professional football in North America.