Name Trey Junkin | 1984 Washington Redskins | |
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Date of birth (1961-01-23) January 23, 1961 (age 54) NFL draft 1983 / Round: 4 / Pick: 93 Positions Long snapper, Linebacker, Tight end | ||
Education Louisiana Tech University | ||
Abner Kirk "Trey" Junkin III (born January 23, 1961) is a former American football Long snapper in the National Football League. Junkin played college football at Louisiana Tech University. Although he's considered one of the forefathers of the modern Long snappers, Junkin also played at the tight end and linebacker positions.
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Early years
Junkin attended Northeast High School in North Little Rock, Arkansas and was a football star.
Professional career
Junkin played 19 seasons in the NFL for six different teams: Buffalo Bills (1983–1984), Washington Redskins (1984), Los Angeles Raiders (1985–1989), Seattle Seahawks (1990–1995), Oakland Raiders (1996), Arizona Cardinals (1996–2001), plus a single game with the New York Giants in 2002. Primarily a long snapper and special-teams player throughout his career, Junkin started out as a linebacker and later moved to tight end.
It was his one game with the Giants for which Junkin is most remembered. The Giants coaxed the very recently retired veteran back on to the playing field to replace an injured Dan O'Leary. In a 2002 wild card playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, Junkin botched a snap on a field goal attempt that could have won the game for the Giants, who had squandered a 38-14 lead. Holder Matt Allen attempted to pass the ball to Rich Seubert but fell incomplete. There was also an uncalled pass interference penalty on the last play, which would have led to another field goal attempt had it been called. Despite this - and despite the fact that Junkin was not part of the defense that gave back 24 points in less than a half - Junkin took full responsibility and said that the Giants lost this game because of him. This play ultimately became #10 on NFL Top 10's Top Ten Meltdowns and Top Ten Controversial Calls at #7.
After the 2002 NFL season, Trey went on to coach in the Canadian Football League for the Calgary Stampeders. After a short stint with the Stampeders, Junkin rejoined his family in Winnfield, Louisiana. Junkin is now the defensive coordinator for his son Connor's high school football team, the Winnfield Senior High Tigers.
Junkin is the older brother of former NFL linebacker Mike Junkin.