Tommy Parks

Thomas E. Parks II (born October 14, 1968) is an American former professional football player who was a punter for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. He also played minor league baseball as a pitcher. Parks received attention in 2001 for lying about his age.

Early life Thomas E. Parks II was born on October 14, 1968, in Okolona, Mississippi. Parks was named to the SEC All-Freshman team in 1986. In 1990, he was listed on Mississippi State's roster as a backup tight end. He only pitched 3.5 innings total and accumulated a 13.64 earned run average (ERA).

Parks played minor league baseball as a pitcher for the Mobile BaySharks of the Texas-Louisiana League in 1995, the Pine Bluff Locomotives of the Big South League in 1996, the Alexandria Aces of the Texas-Louisiana League in 1997, the Meridian Brakemen of the Big South League in 1997, Tupelo of the Big South League in 1997, and the Greenville Bluesmen of the Texas-Louisiana League in 1998. He practiced punting after baseball games. He signed with the NFL's San Francisco 49ers on April 24, 2000.

Parks was signed by the New York Jets on April 21, 2001. He punted five times for 238 yards (47.6 average) while also having one punt returned for a touchdown in the 45–24 loss. Jets special teams coach Mike Westhoff was displeased with the return touchdown, stating "We practice punting that way all the time. Hit the number area so we can cut the field down. He punted straight down the middle of the field. It wasn't what we wanted, that's for sure." Parks said "That one play I broke our back. They should get rid of me. I didn't have the ball over where the guys were at." Parks was not signed. He became a fitness trainer after his football career.