Steelers Punter Corliss Waitman Reflects on Shanked Punt vs. Browns
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman has been exceptional this season, but he had a rare mishap in last Thursday night’s 24-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Late in the fourth quarter, Waitman shanked a 15-yard punt, which provided the Browns great field position with 3:29 remaining. The Browns took advantage of the blunder, as running back Nick Chubb capped a nine-play, 45-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown to win the game for Cleveland.
It wasn’t the sole reason why the Steelers lost, but Waitman’s shank came at a crucial moment in the game. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin put Waitman on notice during his Tuesday press conference.
“We had an opportunity to get into our four-minute offense and maybe close the game out,” Tomlin said. “We were unsuccessful in that endeavor and we coupled that with, you know, a less than ideal punt.
“I thought they made more plays than we did and often times, when you’re in tight ball games, it comes down to that weighty play-making in the latter moments of games.”
It’s a lesson learned for Waitman. But he’s living in the present now. It’s on to Cincinnati.
“As a football player, being in the NFL, you always want to be perfect and put your defense and your team in the best position. It sucks a lot. I take it kind of bitterly,” Waitman said on Friday. “We’re focused on the Bengals now. We can’t dwell on the past too much, but allow yourself to grow from it.”
Waitman has been a journeyman in his five-year career, playing with five different clubs. This is his third stint with the Steelers, and he’s taking full advantage of the opportunity.
“Just experience,” Waitman said of his career year in 2024. “I feel if you’re in the league and you’re around a professional environment, I think the goal is to always grow. And if you don’t grow then obviously something is wrong and you might be replaced. I try to grow each and every year and become better. I hope I’m not the same punter I was my rookie year. I hope I’m a little better. .. I feel like I’m still growing and I’m still learning, that’s what I love about the game. You can always get better. You can always be more consistent.”
Waitman, who replaced Cameron Johnston after he suffered season-ending injury in Week 1, has also played a big role as a holder for Chris Boswell. Waitman gives all the credit to Boz, though.
“Boz is the best kicker in the NFL. It’s really that simple,” Waitman said. “When you get to hold for a guy like that, it’s great because he’s just so good at what he does. He’s very transparent and very good at telling how he wants his holds and how he prepares. And not in my opinion, he is the best kicker in the league. That makes my job easy.”
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
