Marv Bateman


Marvin Fredrick Bateman is a former American football punter in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills. He played college football at the University of Utah.

Early years

Bateman attended Highland High School, before accepting a football scholarship from the University of Utah. He led the nation in punting in his last 2 years and became the first Utah football player to receive first-team All-American honors two years in a row.
He was an All-WAC performer and as a senior averaged 48.07 yards per punt. During his college career he was also the team's placekicker, making 21 field goals, converting 51 percent of his attempts and had a school record 59 yard field goal.
In 1987, he was inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame. In 2004, he was inducted into the University of Utah Crimson Club Hall of Fame.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Bateman was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 1972 NFL Draft and became the starter, after the team traded Pro Bowl punter Ron Widby to the Green Bay Packers along with cornerback Ike Thomas, in exchange for a 1973 second round draft choice.
As a rookie, his progress was slowed by a sprained ankle he suffered in the second game of the season. He averaged a disappointing 38.2 yards per punt, but still received NFL All-Rookie honors.
In 1973, he improved his average to 41.6 yards per punt. He missed one game after suffering a collision against the Washington Redskins. He was the backup placekicker and made an extra point in his only attempt.
On October 30, 1974, he was released because of poor performance and replaced with Duane Carrell.

Buffalo Bills

On November 13, 1974, the Buffalo Bills signed him as a free agent to replace Spike Jones. He led the NFL two years in a row in net yards per punt. In 1976, he had a 78-yard punt, which still stands as the longest punt in team history. He was released on August 21, 1978.

San Francisco 49ers

In 1979, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers but retired before the start of the season.

St. Louis Cardinals

In 1980, he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals and was released on August 26.