The Backup Punter was founded in 2026 by Randall Hutchins, who has been the backup punter for the same NFL team since 1982.

In 44 seasons, Randall has never been asked to enter a game. He has dressed for 612 games. He has held a clipboard for all of them. Nothing has ever been written on it.

While other players studied film and refined their craft, Randall mastered the sideline. He knows the stadium thermostat settings for every NFL venue. He knows the exact salt-to-butter ratio of press box popcorn. He knows how to hold a clipboard so effectively that no coach has ever made direct eye contact with him.

In 2024, Randall found the stadium Wi-Fi password written on the back of a discarded nacho tray. He decided it was time to share his expertise with the world.

The Backup Punter covers the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, soccer, golf, UFC, tennis, NASCAR, and the WNBA. Randall does not specialize. Specializing would require knowing something well.

The newsroom is staffed by ten reporters. None of them are qualified. All of them are confident.

If you would like to reach Randall, he is on the bench. He is always on the bench. He will respond when the coach looks over, which has not happened since 2019.