FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Thomas Hennessy’s path to the NFL commenced with a significant decision during high school. Despite having a good arm, playing quarterback did not seem feasible for the self-described “late bloomer.” Wanting to contribute to Don Bosco Preparatory’s team in New Jersey, he took his father’s advice and tried long snapping. Hennessy found he had a natural talent for it.

After making the high school team, attending snapper camps, and playing at Duke, Hennessy was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Subsequently, he was traded to the New York Jets a few months later. Being the elder brother of Eagles center Matt Hennessy, he has established himself as one of the NFL’s top long snappers.

Despite being a crucial position in football, long snappers often go unnoticed. Hennessy admitted that though the role has garnered more recognition over the years, it is still often overlooked due to the flawless nature of their task. He stressed the importance of perfection in each snap.

To provide insight into the world of an NFL long snapper, Hennessy shared a detailed breakdown with The Associated Press.

He highlighted the precision and artistry required in long snapping, emphasizing the mental focus akin to a golf swing. Understanding and anticipating opponent strategies during plays, maintaining specific stances and grips, and executing accurate snaps are all crucial elements of the position.

Hennessy differentiated between snaps for punts and field goals, explaining the technical variances involved. He elaborated on the rotation and touch necessary for field goals, compared to the punt snaps’ requirements.

Timing is crucial in long snapping, with ideal punt snap times falling between 0.65 and 0.75 seconds, and field goal operations being timed from snap to kick at about 1.3 seconds.

The play is not complete until the long snapper transitions to blocking duties during a field goal attempt or joins the coverage team after a punt snap to tackle returners.

Recognizing the evolution of long snappers to more versatile and athletic players, Hennessy finds joy in the specialized role of snapping and blocking, while also contributing to field coverage like a traditional football player.

Hennessy’s journey exemplifies how dedication, skill, and a bit of backyard practice can lead to a successful career in the NFL.