American football playerLong snapperNFL TeamsPro Bowl

Ethan Albright

Ethan Albright is a former American professional football long snapper who played 16 seasons in the NFL, notable for a Pro Bowl selection and consecutive starts record.

1. Overview

Lawrence Ethan Albright (イーサン・オルブライトĪsan OruburaitoJapanese), widely known by his nickname "the Red Snapper" due to his distinctive red hair and his position, is a former American professional football player who served as a long snapper for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). His career spanned from 1995 to 2010, primarily with the Washington Redskins, but also including stints with the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and San Diego Chargers. Albright is recognized for his significant career achievements, including a Pro Bowl selection and setting a notable record for consecutive starts as a long snapper. His dedication and long tenure in the NFL highlight his contributions to the sport.

2. Early Life and Education

Ethan Albright's formative years were spent developing his athletic talents across multiple sports and pursuing his education, laying the groundwork for his future professional career.

2.1. Childhood and High School

Born on May 1, 1971, Lawrence Ethan Albright grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina. He attended Grimsley High School in Greensboro, graduating in 1989. During his time at Grimsley, Albright was a standout athlete, excelling in not only football but also basketball and baseball. His multi-sport background contributed to his versatile athletic development during his high school years.
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2.2. College Career

Albright continued his football career at the University of North Carolina, playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Initially, he played as a tight end. However, he later transitioned to offensive tackle, a position where he demonstrated significant skill. In 1993, his performance earned him the distinction of being named First-team All-ACC at the offensive tackle position. In addition to his primary offensive roles, Albright also managed the crucial long snapping duties for the Tar Heels throughout his collegiate career.

3. Professional Career

Ethan Albright embarked on a lengthy and successful professional career in the NFL, playing for four different teams over 16 seasons and establishing himself as a reliable long snapper.

3.1. Miami Dolphins

Albright began his professional journey as an undrafted free agent. He signed with the Miami Dolphins and made his NFL debut, playing in 10 games during the 1995 season. After his initial games with the Dolphins, he was released by the team and subsequently spent time on the Green Bay Packers' practice squad. In November 1995, Albright was placed on the Dolphins' injured reserve list.

3.2. Buffalo Bills

In 1996, Albright signed with the Buffalo Bills. He quickly became a consistent presence for the team, playing all 16 games in every season from 1996 through 2000, totaling five seasons with the Bills. His tenure with the Bills established his reputation as a durable and reliable long snapper. On June 3, 2001, Albright was released by the Buffalo Bills, a move made to free up salary cap space.

3.3. Washington Redskins

Following his departure from the Bills, Albright signed with the Washington Redskins in 2001. His time with the Redskins marked the most extensive period of his professional career, spanning nine seasons. He re-signed with the team on March 3, 2005, and again on February 19, 2008, ensuring his continued presence in Washington. On February 13, 2009, Albright re-signed with the Redskins for another year.

A significant highlight of his time with the Redskins was his selection to the Pro Bowl following the 2007 season. During the Pro Bowl, Albright, along with teammates Chris Cooley and Chris Samuels, wore the number 21 jersey in honor of their fallen teammate, Sean Taylor, who tragically passed away during the 2007 season. Albright's consistent performance and leadership made him a valued member of the Redskins' special teams unit for nearly a decade. In 2010, the Redskins opted for a younger roster, and Albright was not re-signed.

3.4. San Diego Chargers

After not being re-signed by the Redskins in 2010, Albright briefly joined the San Diego Chargers. He signed with the team on September 28, 2010, stepping in after the team's long snappers, David Binn and Ryan Neill, were placed on injured reserve. However, his tenure with the Chargers was short-lived, as he was released just two weeks later, on October 13, 2010. This marked the final stage of his professional playing career.

3.5. Career Highlights and Records

Throughout his extensive NFL career, Ethan Albright achieved several notable distinctions, particularly concerning his durability and consistency as a long snapper. He set the record for the most consecutive starts by a long snapper, accumulating 230 games. This impressive streak spanned from September 1, 1996, during his time with the Buffalo Bills, through January 3, 2010, with the Washington Redskins. Within this record, he also holds the mark for the most consecutive regular season starts, with 224, a record that has since been tied by John Denney. His consistent performance over many years also earned him a selection to the Pro Bowl following the 2007 NFL season.

4. Post-Playing Career

Following his retirement from professional football, Ethan Albright has remained connected to the world of sports. He retired from his role as the athletic director at Grimsley High School, his alma mater in Greensboro, North Carolina, demonstrating his continued commitment to athletic development at the high school level.

5. Personal Life

Ethan Albright's personal life is centered around his family in his hometown. He is married to Katherine, and together they have four children: two daughters named Mary Grace and Madelyn Costner, and two sons named Lawson Geoffrey and Nolan Davis. The family resides in Greensboro, North Carolina, where Albright grew up.