Spencer Lanning
Spencer Davis Lanning is an American former professional football player who was a punter for three seasons in the National Football League, almost exclusively with the Cleveland Browns. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
College career
Lanning finished his collegiate career with the South Carolina Gamecocks with 171 punts for a 42.6-yard average and 46 punts inside the 20-yard line. He also played kicker during his final two collegiate seasons, connecting on 34 of 44 field goal attempts and 80 of 84 extra points.Professional career
Chicago Bears
Lanning was originally signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2011.Jacksonville Jaguars
Lanning was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent on January 4, 2012, and later released by the team on April 28.New York Jets
Lanning was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets on August 28, 2012. He was waived by the Jets on August 31, 2012.Sacramento Mountain Lions
In 2012, he signed with the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League.Cleveland Browns
Lanning was signed by the Cleveland Browns on May 2, 2012.Lanning was re-signed as a free agent by the Browns February 13, 2013. On September 22, 2013, in a 31–27 win over the Minnesota Vikings, Lanning recorded a touchdown pass, punt, and an extra point. He became the first player to accomplish such a feat since Sam Baker in 1968.
Lanning garnered media attention following a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 7, 2014. When Lanning attempted to tackle Steelers punt returner Antonio Brown, Brown "attempted" to hurdle the punter and kicked Lanning in the face. Brown was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the play and received an $8,200 fine.
Lanning was released on June 6, 2015, when the Browns traded for longtime San Francisco 49ers punter Andy Lee.