Former Pitt punters Andy Lee, Ryan Winslow become friendly rivals in Arizona
The Arizona Cardinals now have two former Pitt punters on their roster – separated by 13 years.
Ryan Winslow, who was Pitt’s punter from 2014-2017, signed with the Cardinals to compete with Lee, 36, who’s been in the NFL since the San Francisco 49ers made him a sixth-round draft choice in 2004.
Yes sir !! Excited for this opportunity https://t.co/JmBaqAh4Us
— Ryan Winslow (@ryanwinsbro) May 2, 2019
Winslow was a first-team, All-ACC punter in 2017, averaging 44.5 yards per kick. That was his regular job. But who could forget Winslow completing a pass to linebacker Matt Galambos to help beat Syracuse in 2015? Now word yet on if Winslow also will compete with the Cardinals’ Kyler Murray for the quarterback job.
Winslow also was a reliable holder for placements at Pitt, and he has the distinction of being the first player to congratulate kicker Chris Blewitt, now with the Chicago Bears, after the dramatic, game-winning field goal at Clemson in 2016.
Winslow was with the Bears last summer, but he was released in training camp.
Lee, who’s also been with the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns, averaged 48.6 yards for the Cardinals last season. He pinned 34 percent of his boots inside the 20-yard line.
Lee holds Pitt records for most punts in a season (77) and career (255) and yardage (3,399). All have stood since 2003.
Jerry DiPaola is a TribLive reporter covering Pitt athletics since 2011. A Pittsburgh native, he joined the Trib in 1993, first as a copy editor and page designer in the sports department and later as the Pittsburgh Steelers reporter from 1994-2004. He can be reached at jdipaola@triblive.com.
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