TTM Stats
- Sent: 6/7/2022 | Received: 7/2/2022 | 25 Days
- ’90 Fleer (2), ’90 Score, ’91 Fleer Ultra
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Rich Camarillo may not have been a household name, but his impact on the NFL as a punter was significant. Over a 15-year career, Camarillo set records, earned Pro Bowl selections, and established himself as one of the best to ever play the position. His precision, consistency, and mastery of hang time made him a valuable asset to every team he played for.
Richard Jon Camarillo was born on November 29, 1959, in Whittier, California. He attended El Rancho High School in Pico Rivera, California, before playing college football at the University of Washington. As a Husky, Camarillo developed his punting skills, showcasing his powerful leg and precision, which would define his professional career.
Despite his talent, Camarillo went undrafted in 1981. However, he signed with the New England Patriots as a free agent, beginning his journey to becoming one of the league’s top punters.
Camarillo played for the New England Patriots from 1981 to 1987. He quickly established himself as a reliable punter, averaging over 40 yards per punt in every season with the team. His best season with the Patriots came in 1985 when he had a 43-yard average and helped New England reach Super Bowl XX.
After his time with the Patriots, Camarillo went on to play for several other teams, including the Los Angeles Rams, Phoenix Cardinals, and Houston Oilers. Throughout his career, he was known for his exceptional hang time, which limited return opportunities and helped his teams control field position. Camarillo was selected to five Pro Bowls (1983, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993) and was named a First-Team All-Pro in 1992. When he retired, his career totals included 1,027 punts with a 42.7-yard average, showcasing both his durability and skill.
After retiring from the NFL following the 1996 season, Camarillo remained involved in football and community activities. He has worked with young athletes, focusing on developing the next generation of kickers and punters. His coaching and mentorship have helped aspiring specialists refine their techniques and approach to the game.
Camarillo has also been a part of various charitable initiatives, using his platform to support causes related to youth sports and education. His legacy is not only built on his football accomplishments but also on his efforts to give back to the community.
Rich Camarillo’s legacy in the NFL is marked by precision and excellence in a specialized role. As one of only a few punters to be named to multiple Pro Bowls, he set a standard for future generations. His influence is still seen in the emphasis on hang time and directional punting, techniques that have become critical to the modern game.
For fans of the game and specialists who followed, Camarillo’s career serves as a reminder that punters can indeed play a pivotal role in a team’s success. His consistency and professionalism left a lasting mark on the NFL, proving that even those who work behind the scenes can have a profound impact on the game.
The Score on Rich Camarillo – 6.5
Rich has what might be my favorite football TTM signature. He’s got a ton of loops and rounded letters in there. There’s just so much to like about it. He also puts a ton of ink and has a good size to his signature.
Thanks Mr. Camarillo! I’m giving this return a 6.5 overall.
This is my fourth successful return from him. To see the other returns, check out these posts:
>>> READ MORE ABOUT MY AUTOGRAPH SCORING SYSTEM <<<
Thanks for visiting BravestarrCards.com: Card Collecting and TTM Autographs.
Information gathered using Wikipedia and Pro Football Reference.