Merritt Warren Kersey (born February 22, 1950) is a former American football punter who played for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at West Chester University. Attended Matoaca High School , Chesterfield County VA, where he played tight end, corner back and running back.

Merritt Kersey
No. 37
Position:Punter
Personal information
Born: (1950-02-22) February 22, 1950 (age 74)
Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:205 lb (93 kg)
Career information
High school:Henderson
(West Chester, Pennsylvania)
College:West Chester
Undrafted:1974
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Punts:97
Punting yards:3448
Longest punt:59
Yards per punt:35.5
Stats at Pro Football Reference

He was primarily a punter but also played running back in college.

Professional career

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After going undrafted in 1974, Kersey spent his entire rookie season starting for the Philadelphia Eagles. He punted 82 times for 2,959 yards.[1] He was also named the starter in year two with the Eagles. However, he was replaced after starting in two games. In 1976 after his release, he signed with the Buffalo Bills, but did not play a game with them.[2] During the 1977 preseason, he competed for the Washington Redskins starting job. He did not make the final roster.[3] In 1978, he battled fellow punter Craig Colquitt for the Pittsburgh Steelers starting job. But he was, once again, cut and did not play a game for them.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Merritt Kersey NFL statistics". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  2. ^ "Kersey Inks WIth Bills". Intelligencer Journal. June 24, 1976 – via Newspapers.com.  
  3. ^ "Ex-Hen Pietuszka Cut by Redskins". The News Journal. August 10, 1977 – via Newspapers.com.  
  4. ^ "Four kickers will play for Steelers". Republican and Herald. August 12, 1978 – via Newspapers.com.