Early Life and Background
Jordan Stout was born on September 4, 1998, in Abingdon, Virginia. Growing up in southwest Virginia, Stout played multiple sports but found his calling on the football field as a specialist. His natural leg strength made him a standout in high school, both as a kicker and punter.
He began his college career at Virginia Tech, where he primarily handled kickoff duties in 2018. Wanting more opportunities to showcase his punting skills, Stout transferred to Penn State University in 2019. The move proved pivotal, as he developed into one of the top punters in college football, with his booming kicks and precision pinning opponents deep in their territory.
Rise in Sports / Career Highlights
At Penn State, Stout quickly earned a reputation as one of the nation’s strongest-legged specialists. He was a versatile contributor, handling punting, kickoffs, and even placekicking duties at times. In 2021, his senior year, he averaged 46.0 yards per punt, one of the best marks in the country, and won the Ray Guy Award for the nation’s top punter.
His consistency and leg strength caught the attention of NFL scouts, and in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens selected him in the fourth round (130th overall) — the highest the team had ever drafted a punter. He was brought in as the heir apparent to longtime veteran Sam Koch, one of the most respected punters in league history.
Stout took over as the Ravens’ starting punter in his rookie season, displaying the same big leg and directional skills that made him a star in college.
Achievements and Notable Records
Though early in his NFL career, Stout has already begun building his résumé:
- Ray Guy Award winner (2021) at Penn State.
- First-Team All-Big Ten selection (2021).
- Set Penn State records for career punting average and longest field goal (57 yards).
- Drafted in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens (2022), one of the highest picks ever used on a punter.
- Took over for longtime Ravens punter Sam Koch in 2022.
- Averaged over 46 yards per punt in his first two NFL seasons.
Stout’s booming punts and ability to flip field position have made him a key asset for Baltimore’s special teams, a unit already known as one of the NFL’s best.
Beyond the Game
Off the field, Stout is known for his humility and work ethic. At Penn State, he was praised for his leadership and willingness to step into any role the team needed, from punting to field goals to kickoffs.
In Baltimore, he has embraced the challenge of following in Sam Koch’s footsteps, working closely with legendary kicker Justin Tucker and long snapper Nick Moore to form one of the most consistent specialist trios in the NFL.
Outside of football, Stout enjoys golf and outdoor activities, often sharing glimpses of his off-field life with fans. He has also been involved in youth football camps and Ravens community initiatives.
Challenges and Controversies
Stout’s biggest challenge came in replacing Sam Koch, a Ravens legend. Filling the shoes of a player who spent 16 seasons with the team and won a Super Bowl was no small task, and Stout faced immediate scrutiny. His rookie year had its ups and downs, as he adjusted to the speed and pressure of the NFL.
He has avoided off-field controversies, focusing his energy on improving his craft and building trust with his coaches and teammates.
Legacy and Impact
Though still early in his career, Jordan Stout is positioned to carry on Baltimore’s strong tradition of special teams excellence. If he continues to develop, he could become one of the league’s premier punters for the next decade.
Stout’s combination of power and precision makes him a valuable field-position weapon, while his versatility and poise under pressure highlight his long-term potential. His path from Virginia high school standout to Ray Guy Award winner to NFL punter exemplifies persistence and focus.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- Stout began his college career at Virginia Tech before transferring to Penn State.
- At Penn State, he set a school record with a 57-yard field goal, showcasing his kicking range.
- Won the Ray Guy Award in 2021, given annually to the nation’s top punter.
- Drafted by the Ravens in the fourth round (2022), one of the highest picks for a punter in recent years.
- Works alongside Justin Tucker, considered the NFL’s most accurate kicker, on one of the league’s best special teams units.
- Known for his leg strength, Stout routinely produces punts over 60 yards in games.
- Off the field, he’s an avid golfer and often shares his love for the sport with teammates and fans.
