When Randall Cunningham Became a Punter

Published on July 7th, 2025 9:40 pm EST
Written By: Dave Manuel


Most people remember Randall Cunningham for his legs.

Some remember him for his arm.

Almost no one remembers the punt.

But on December 3, 1989, in a game against the New York Giants, Randall Cunningham booted a football 91 yards through the cold Meadowlands air.

That wasn't a typo.

Ninety-one yards. From scrimmage. It bounced, rolled, and stunned.

But wait - he also hit a 98-yarder in college. At UNLV.

This guy could do it all.

It wasn't just a gadget play. It was strategic. The Eagles were backed up. Rather than risk a blocked kick or a return, Cunningham took the snap and unleashed one of the most absurd punts the NFL has ever seen.

The ball landed around the 30-yard line on the opposite end of the field. It just kept going.

The Giants returner scrambled. But by the time he got there, the ball was dead inside the 5.

In the stat sheet, it's the longest punt by a quarterback in NFL history. And one of the longest, period.

Punting was part of his toolbox.

Cunningham had over 20 punts in his NFL career. He wasn't just a mobile quarterback. He was a weapon.

The Eagles used it to their advantage. Surprise punts. Field position swings. Low risk, high reward.

In an era before dual-threat QBs were mainstream, Cunningham was out there rewriting the manual. With his feet. With his arm. And, yes - with his leg.

Not many players can say they've thrown a 90-yard touchdown and also kicked a 90-yard punt.

Randall Cunningham can.

And for one cold afternoon in Jersey, he reminded everyone watching: you've never seen anyone quite like him.