Tom Rouen

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Thomas Francis Rouen (born June 9, 1968 in Hinsdale, Illinois) is an American football punter who currently plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League.

1 Elementary School Years
2 Junior High Years
3 High School Years
4 College career
5 Pro career
6 Other

[edit] Elementary School Years

Rouen attended Wilder Elementary School in Littleton, Colorado.

[edit] Junior High Years

Rouen attended Goddard Junior High School in Littleton, Colorado, where he played football for the "Vikings."

[edit] High School Years

Rouen attended Heritage High School in Littleton, Colorado, where he lettered in football and baseball. He was listed on the depth chart as Tight End.

[edit] College career

Rouen started his career at Colorado State University in 1987 before transferring to the University of Colorado.He led the nation as a junior with a 45.9 yards per punt average, and was rewarded with a spot on the All-America team. Rouen's most famous punt came in the final minute of the 1991 Orange Bowl when Raghib "The Rocket" Ismail returned the punt 91 yards for a touchdown. Fortunately for Rouen, the return was called back on a clipping penalty and Colorado won the national championship, 10-9.

[edit] Pro career

Rouen was an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants in 1991, but was waived before the preseason. The following year, he signed with the Los Angeles Rams, but again was waived before the preseason. He signed with the Ohio Glory of the World League of American Football, and made the All-World League team. He then joined the Denver Broncos before the start of the 1993 NFL season, and stayed with the team for eight seasons. He appeared in every game with the Broncos, and left the team as the all-time leader in punts. He then had a journeyman-like 2002 season, as he was waived by the Broncos, signed and subsequently waived by the New York Giants, and picked up by the Pittsburgh Steelers all within the course of a month and a half. He finished the season with Pittsburgh before signing with the Seattle Seahawks before the 2003 NFL season. He was placed on injured reserve midway through the 2004 campaign, and was later waived by Seattle. He was signed by the Carolina Panthers before the 2005 season, but they released him in favor of Jason Baker, and he was re-signed by Seattle, where he completed the 2005 season before being released. He was later signed by the 49ers to compete with Andy Lee for the starting punter job.