Michael Palardy Bio
Michael Albert Palardy (born July 6, 1992) is an American professional football punter. He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers and entered the National Football League as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Over the course of his professional career, he has spent time with the Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams, Toronto Argonauts, Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Washington Commanders, and Arizona Cardinals.
A reliable specialist known for directional punting and consistency, Palardy carved out a long NFL career despite going undrafted. His journey from a three-star high school prospect to a multi-year starting punter reflects steady development and durability. He currently plays for the Arizona Cardinals.
Early Life and Background
Michael Albert Palardy was born on July 6, 1992, in Margate, Florida. He grew up in South Florida, a region with a strong tradition of producing football talent at all levels. From an early age, Palardy showed interest in kicking and punting, developing his leg strength through consistent training.
He attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School, one of the most decorated football programs in the United States. Playing for the Raiders, Palardy earned a reputation as a dependable specialist. He was rated as a three-star prospect on Rivals.com, which drew attention from several college recruiters. His high school experience prepared him for the next step in his football career.
Path to American Football
After completing high school, Palardy committed to the University of Tennessee, joining the Volunteers football program. He played for Tennessee from 2010 to 2013, working under head coaches Derek Dooley and Butch Jones. During his college career, he handled both placekicking and punting duties, demonstrating versatility as a specialist.
As a freshman in 2010, Palardy converted 13 of 14 extra point attempts and 5 of 7 field goal attempts, while also punting four times for a 39.3-yard average. His role expanded each season, and by his senior year in 2013, he had established himself as one of the most reliable kickers in the Southeastern Conference. He was named Second-team All-SEC in 2013 in recognition of his consistent production. One of the defining moments of his college career came on October 19, 2013, when he hit a game-winning 19-yard field goal as time expired to give the Volunteers a victory over the No. 11 South Carolina Gamecocks, their first win over a ranked opponent in several years.
Michael Palardy Career
Early Career (2014–2015)
Following the 2014 NFL Draft, Palardy signed with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent on June 5, 2014. He was waived during training camp but returned to the Raiders’ practice squad late in the season. On January 6, 2015, he was signed by the St. Louis Rams, but was waived in September of that year.
Seeking an opportunity, Palardy moved north and signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League on September 19, 2015. He played in one game for the Argonauts, punting six times and scoring a single. His time in the CFL provided valuable game experience and helped him refine his professional approach.
Carolina Panthers Breakthrough (2016–2020)
Palardy first signed with the Carolina Panthers on April 4, 2016, though he was waived in June. After brief stops with the Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, and Atlanta Falcons practice squad, he returned to the Panthers on November 14, 2016. He made his NFL debut against the New Orleans Saints in Week 11, punting six times for a 46.67-yard average. He finished the 2016 season with 36 punts for a 42.53-yard average.
In 2017, Palardy won the Panthers’ starting punting job after the team released Andy Lee. He finished that season with 71 punts for a 46.03-yard average. On October 2, 2018, he signed a three-year contract extension with Carolina, securing his role through the 2021 season. Over the next two seasons, he continued to be a steady presence, recording 61 punts for a 45.23-yard average in 2018 and 75 punts for a 46.03-yard average in 2019. His Panthers tenure ended when he was released on February 19, 2021, after a torn ACL suffered in the 2020 offseason and a subsequent placement on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Miami Dolphins Era (2021)
Palardy signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins on March 15, 2021. He delivered one of his most notable performances in Week 13, punting six times with a long of 65 yards and placing three punts inside the 20-yard line in a 20–9 win over the New York Giants, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. He finished the 2021 season with 78 punts for a 44.73-yard average.
New England Patriots Era (2022)
On October 27, 2022, Palardy was hosted for a workout with the New England Patriots following a poor performance from Jake Bailey. He signed with the team’s practice squad on November 1 and was promoted to the active roster on November 19 after Bailey was injured. Palardy appeared in eight games for the Patriots in 2022, recording 42 punts for a 42.40-yard average.
Washington Commanders and Arizona Cardinals Era (2023–Present)
Palardy signed with the Washington Commanders on August 20, 2023, but was released three days later. He later signed with the Arizona Cardinals practice squad on December 11, 2024, and was promoted to the active roster on December 18, 2024. He currently plays for the Cardinals.
Driving Style and Strengths
Palardy is recognized for his directional punting, hang time, and ability to pin opponents inside the 20-yard line. His consistency and experience make him a dependable specialist in competitive situations. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the leg strength and field awareness required to succeed at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Palardy’s career highlights, his game-winning 19-yard field goal against the No. 11 South Carolina Gamecocks in 2013 stands out as a defining collegiate moment. In the NFL, his AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor in 2021 with the Dolphins and his long career as an undrafted specialist are notable achievements.
Michael Palardy Career Wins
As a punter, Michael Palardy’s career contributions are measured by statistical performance and team success rather than traditional win totals. He has been part of multiple teams across the NFL and CFL, contributing as a reliable specialist.
NFL Highlights
Palardy’s most productive NFL stretch came with the Carolina Panthers, where he served as the starting punter from 2017 through 2020. He surpassed 70 punts in both 2017 and 2019, demonstrating durability. With the Miami Dolphins in 2021, he posted a strong 44.73-yard average on 78 punts and earned a conference weekly honor.
Other Wins and Performances
In the Canadian Football League, Palardy played one game for the Toronto Argonauts in 2015, punting six times. His brief CFL stint helped bridge the gap between his early NFL opportunities and his eventual breakthrough in Carolina.
Michael Palardy Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Detailed information about Michael Palardy’s family background and personal life is not widely documented in public sources. He grew up in Margate, Florida, and developed his football career from a young age.
Personal Life
Public details about Palardy’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not available in verified sources. He is known to have signed with Athletes Untapped as a private football coach on April 18, 2024, indicating an interest in mentoring young players beyond his playing career.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Michael Palardy is part of the Arizona Cardinals organization after being signed to the active roster in December 2024. His experience and consistency position him as a veteran presence in the team’s special teams unit. The Cardinals’ use of Palardy in 2025 will likely depend on his performance in training camp and preseason competition.
Palardy’s track record of punting in both indoor and outdoor venues, along with his ability to handle directional duties, gives the Cardinals flexibility in their special teams strategy. As a long-time NFL specialist, he brings knowledge and poise to a young roster.
Looking ahead, Palardy’s primary goal for 2025 is to remain healthy and contribute as a dependable punter. Whether as a starter or in a rotational role, his veteran experience is expected to benefit the Cardinals’ special teams unit throughout the season.