Tracy Porter
{{Short description|American football player (born 1986)}}
{{for|the wide receiver|Tracy Porter (wide receiver)}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Tracy Porter
| image = Tracy Porter.JPG
| caption = Porter with the Denver Broncos in 2012
| number = 22, 23, 21
| position = Cornerback
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1986|08|11}}
| birth_place = Port Allen, Louisiana, U.S.
| height_ft = 5
| height_in = 11
| weight_lbs = 185
| high_school = Port Allen
| college = Indiana (2004–2007)
| draftyear = 2008
| draftround = 2
| draftpick = 40
| pastteams = * New Orleans Saints ({{NFL Year|2008}}–{{NFL Year|2011}})
- Denver Broncos ({{NFL Year|2012}})
- Oakland Raiders ({{NFL Year|2013}})
- Washington Redskins ({{NFL Year|2014}})
- Chicago Bears ({{NFL Year|2015}}–{{NFL Year|2016}})
| highlights = *Super Bowl champion (XLIV)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2007)
- Second-team All-Big Ten (2006)
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 371
| statlabel2 = Sacks
| statvalue2 = 2.5
| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles
| statvalue3 = 6
| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue4 = 3
| statlabel5 = Interceptions
| statvalue5 = 13
| statlabel6 = Defensive touchdowns
| statvalue6 = 3
| pfr = PortTr99
}}
Tracy O'Neil Porter (born August 11, 1986) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Indiana Hoosiers and was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft. Porter is best known for being a crucial player during the Saints’ 2009 season, in which he intercepted Brett Favre in the NFC Championship Game and then won Super Bowl XLIV over the Indianapolis Colts, sealing the game by famously intercepting Peyton Manning and returning it for a touchdown.
Porter also played for the Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Washington Redskins, and Chicago Bears.
Early life
Porter attended Port Allen High School, where he played quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and cornerback. He earned first team All-District 3A honors in his first year of organized football as a junior and second-team as a senior after recording 93 tackles, 11 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and 14 pass breakups. He also returned two punts and two kickoffs each for touchdowns, averaging 47.0 yards per kick return and 28.0 per punt return.
In addition to football, Porter was also a starter at point guard for the basketball team and a sprinter on the track & field, where he posted a personal-best time of 10.4 seconds in the 100-meter dash.
College career
Porter played college football at Indiana University Bloomington for the Hoosiers from 2004–2007. During his senior year, he earned All-Big Ten Conference first-team. He finished his career second in Hoosiers history with 16 career interceptions and first in interception yards with 413. He also became the first player in school history to return a punt, interception and fumble for touchdowns in his career. He finished his career with 212 tackles and 16 interceptions.
Professional career
Porter attended the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and completed all of the combine and positional drills. He impressed scouts with his 40-yard dash and tied for tenth among all players at the combine. He also had the fourth best time in the short shuttle and 60-yard shuttle.[http://www.nfl.com/combine/top-performers?tabIndex=0 Combine Top Performers] On March 5, 2008, Porter participated at Indiana's pro day and chose to run the 40-yard dash (4.38s), 20-yard dash (2.51s), and 10-yard dash (1.46s). At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Porter was projected to a third round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He ranked as the 12th best cornerback prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com.
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 5
| height in = 10 7/8
| weight = 188
| dash = 4.37
| ten split = 1.47
| twenty split = 2.52
| shuttle = 4.07
| cone drill = 7.20
| vertical = 34
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 3
| bench = 18
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 32
| hand span = 9 3/8
| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=33075&DraftYear=2008 |title=Tracy Porter College Football Profile |website=DraftScout.com |access-date=June 5, 2024}}
}}
=New Orleans Saints=
Porter was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2008 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/draft.htm |access-date=2023-05-11 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} On June 25, 2008, the New Orleans Saints signed Porter to a four-year, $4.20 million contract.
He played in five games during his rookie season before being placed on injured reserve after dislocating his wrist.
Late in the fourth quarter of the Saints' come-from-behind win in Week 7 of their 2009 season, Porter intercepted Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne on fourth and long; his 54-yard return resulted in a touchdown, sealing their win. Midway through the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship game on January 24, 2010, with the Minnesota Vikings already in the red zone and driving towards a score, Porter punched the ball out of the hands of Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian; the fumble was recovered by the Saints. Later, with less than a minute left in regulation, and the Vikings almost within range of a game-winning field goal, Porter intercepted a pass from Vikings quarterback Brett Favre, sending the game to overtime. The Saints later prevailed with a final score of 31–28.
Late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts with the Colts in Saints' territory, Porter jumped Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne's route and intercepted Peyton Manning's pass, returning it 74-yards for a touchdown. The score ended the Colts' hopes of a comeback and sealed New Orleans' first Super Bowl victory. In interviews after the game, Porter credited his pick to film study of the Colts' season. "I'd seen it over and over – third down," Porter said. "That was a big route for them to convert on. Through the numerous amounts of film study that we've done all week in preparing for the Super Bowl... it all happened just like I was watching it on film. I made the break on it, and here comes the end zone."Aron Angel, [http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/story?id=09000d5d81649927&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true "Saints' Porter jumps Wayne's route, runs into Super Bowl history"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125160704/http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/story?id=09000d5d81649927&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true |date=November 25, 2010 }}, NFL.com, February 8, 2010.
In the aftermath of the Super Bowl win, Porter was honored by his home town, Port Allen, which first jokingly renamed the city "Porter Allen" for a day in his honor,Tyana Williams, [http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=11953531 "City changes its name to Porter Allen"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519000521/http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=11953531 |date=May 19, 2017 }}, WAFB, February 8, 2010.Bradley Handwerger, [http://www.wwltv.com/sports/Saints-CB-Porter-enjoying-the-moment-but-ready-to-get-back-with-teammates-89614297.html "Saints CB Porter enjoying the moment, but ready to get back with teammates"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100403222758/http://www.wwltv.com/sports/Saints-CB-Porter-enjoying-the-moment-but-ready-to-get-back-with-teammates-89614297.html |date=April 3, 2010 }}, WWL-TV, March 31, 2010. then later named a street after him.Koran Addo, [http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/91569949.html "Port Allen renames street to honor Porter"], The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.), April 20, 2010.
=Denver Broncos=
On March 22, 2012, Porter signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Denver Broncos.[https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7725540/2012-nfl-free-agency-broncos-former-new-orleans-saint-tracy-porter-agree-source-says Source: Broncos, Tracy Porter agree] In his first game as a Bronco, Porter returned an interception off Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for a touchdown to seal the Broncos' opening day victory.{{cite news |author=Klis, Mike |title=Peyton Manning leads Denver Broncos to strong first win over Steelers He got ill midway through the season.|url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_21505491/peyton-manning-leads-denver-broncos-steelers |publisher=denverpost.com |date=September 9, 2012 |access-date=September 9, 2012}} He then won the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award for his performance. However, prior to the Broncos' Week 6 game at the San Diego Chargers, he experienced aftereffects from a seizure that he suffered during the preseason. Porter returned to practice on a limited basis over the next several weeks,{{cite news |author=Caldwell, Gray |title=Porter Dealing with August Seizure |url=http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Porter-Dealing-with-August-Seizure/e00c17c5-c1bf-4a40-a599-019caff6428f |publisher=denverbroncos.com |date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=October 25, 2012 |archive-date=October 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027092902/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Porter-Dealing-with-August-Seizure/e00c17c5-c1bf-4a40-a599-019caff6428f |url-status=dead }} and later returned to game action late in the regular season, only to suffer a concussion and miss the playoffs.{{cite news |author=Davis, Sam |title=Injury Update |url=http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/injury-update-13/ |publisher=denverbroncos.com |date=December 23, 2012 |access-date=December 23, 2012}}
=Oakland Raiders=
On April 1, 2013, the Oakland Raiders signed Porter to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.{{cite news|title=Raiders sign Tracy Porter|publisher=ProFootballTalk.com|author=Smith, Michael David|date=April 2, 2013|access-date=April 2, 2013|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/02/raiders-sign-tracy-porter/}} In a game against the New York Giants on November 10, 2013, he became the first player in NFL history to return an interception for a touchdown against both Peyton and Eli Manning.{{cite web |url=http://www.insidebayarea.com/raiders/ci_24496132/raiders-notebook-pryor-laments-teams-failure-first-and |title=Raiders notebook: Pryor laments team's failure in first-and-goal situation – Inside Bay Area |website=www.insidebayarea.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112011500/http://www.insidebayarea.com/raiders/ci_24496132/raiders-notebook-pryor-laments-teams-failure-first-and |archive-date=2013-11-12}}
=Washington Redskins=
On March 13, 2014, Porter was signed by the Washington Redskins to a two-year, $6.25 million contract.{{cite web|last=Hanzus|first=Dan|title=Tracy Porter, Washington Redskins agree to terms|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/tracy-porter-washington-redskins-agree-to-terms-0ap2000000333830|work=NFL.com|access-date=March 13, 2014}}{{cite web|work=ESPN.com|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/washington-commanders/post/_/id/6210/contract-breakdown-tracy-porter|title=Contract breakdown: Tracy Porter|date=March 17, 2014|first=John|last=Keim|access-date=March 17, 2014}} he was placed on injured reserve on November 26, 2014, due to a shoulder injury.{{cite web|work=ESPN.com|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/66157/tracy-porter-to-ir-chase-minnifield-promoted|title=Tracy Porter to IR, Chase Minnifield promoted|date=November 26, 2014|first=John|last=Keim|access-date=December 7, 2014}} On May 27, 2015, he was released.{{cite news|last1=Jones|first1=Mike|title=Redskins release guard Chris Chester and cornerback Tracy Porter|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2015/05/27/redskins-release-guard-chris-chester-and-cornerback-tracy-porter/|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=May 27, 2015}}
=Chicago Bears=
On June 8, 2015, Porter signed a one-year, $870,000 free agent contract with the Chicago Bears.{{cite web|last1=Patra|first1=Patra|title=Chicago Bears sign CB Tracy Porter|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chicago-bears-sign-cb-tracy-porter-0ap3000000495977|work=NFL.com|access-date=June 9, 2015}} In a Thanksgiving Day victory over the Green Bay Packers, Porter became the first player to break up four of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers' passes in a game. He also recorded his first interception as a Bear in the game.{{cite news|last=Wiederer|first=Dan|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-tracy-porter-thanksgiving-hero-bears-spt-1201-20151130-story.html|title=Bears' Thanksgiving hero Tracy Porter has history of success in big moments|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=November 30, 2015|access-date=April 3, 2018}} Porter ended the season with 22 pass breakups, which led the Bears.{{cite web|last=Mayer|first=Larry|url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Position-focus-on-defensive-backfield/2e241c15-2a05-4d88-a66e-24fe63ee6964|title=Position focus on defensive backfield|publisher=Chicago Bears|date=February 9, 2016|access-date=February 11, 2016|archive-date=June 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621235100/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Position-focus-on-defensive-backfield/2e241c15-2a05-4d88-a66e-24fe63ee6964|url-status=dead}}
On March 9, 2016, the Bears signed Porter to a three-year, $12 million contract with $4.25 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $900,000.{{cite web|url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/chicago-bears/tracy-porter-4422/| title=sportrac.com: Tracy Porter contracts| access-date=December 10, 2016| website=sportrac.com}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-bears-tracy-porter-spt-20160309-story.html|title=Cornerback Tracy Porter re-signs with Bears|last=Tribune|first=Chicago|website=chicagotribune.com|date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=March 10, 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/chicago-bears/tracy-porter/|title=Tracy Porter|last=Spotrac.com|website=Spotrac.com|access-date=March 21, 2016}}
On April 10, 2017, Porter was released by the Bears after they had signed free agents Prince Amukamara and Marcus Cooper.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=April 10, 2017 |title=Tracy Porter waived by Chicago Bears |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/tracy-porter-waived-by-chicago-bears-0ap3000000798690 |access-date=April 10, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}
=NFL statistics=
| class=wikitable style="text-align:center;" | |||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="4"| Tackles ! colspan="3"| Fumbles ! colspan="6"| Interceptions | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| style="text-align:center; background:#e0e0e0;"
! G !! GS !! Comb !! Total !! Ast !! Sack !! FF !! FR !! Yds !! INT !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! PD | |||||||||||||||
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2008 | NO
| 5 | 5 | 25 | 23 | 2 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 25 | 25.0 | 25 | 0 | 5 |
| 2009 | NO
| 12 | 11 | 57 | 48 | 9 | 0.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 72 | 18.0 | 54 | 1 | 12 |
| 2010 | NO
| 12 | 12 | 60 | 45 | 15 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
| 2011 | NO
| 14 | 11 | 52 | 42 | 10 | 0.0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −7 | −7.0 | −7 | 0 | 9 |
| 2012 | DEN
| 6 | 4 | 21 | 16 | 5 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 43 | 43.0 | 43 | 1 | 6 |
| 2013 | OAK
| 16 | 16 | 67 | 53 | 14 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 44 | 22.0 | 43 | 1 | 12 |
| 2014 | WAS
| 3 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2015 | CHI
| 14 | 13 | 35 | 34 | 1 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 2 | 0 | 12 |
| 2016 | CHI
| 16 | 15 | 48 | 45 | 3 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 28 | 14.0 | 25 | 0 | 9 |
| class="sortbottom"
! colspan=2|Career | 98 | 88 | 370 | 309 | 61 | 2.5 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 212 | 16.3 | 54 | 3 | 72 |
Key
- G: games played
- GS: games started
- Comb: combined tackles
- Total: total tackles
- Ast: assisted tackles
- Sack: sacks
- FF: forced fumbles
- FR: fumble recoveries
- Yds: yards
- INT: interceptions
- AVG IR: average interception return
- Lng: longest interception return
- TD: interceptions returned for touchdown
- PD: passes defensed
References
{{reflist|2}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20080102115134/http://iuhoosiers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/porter_tracy00.html Indiana Hoosiers bio]
{{Saints2008DraftPicks}}
{{Super Bowl XLIV}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Porter, Tracy}}
Category:People from Port Allen, Louisiana
Category:Players of American football from Louisiana
Category:American football cornerbacks
Category:Indiana Hoosiers football players
Category:New Orleans Saints players
Category:Denver Broncos players
Category:Oakland Raiders players