He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins, and is the only player in school history to be on the All-Atlantic Coast Conference team for four years.

In Podlesh's 48 games played at Maryland, he punted 216 times for 9,314 yards, which ranks fifth in school history (behind Dan DeArmas, Dale Castro, Russ Edwards, and Darryl Wright).

[8] In the following week against NC State, Podlesh set career highs with 11 punts for 497 net yards in the 13–3 loss.

[12] In recognition of his successful season, Podlesh was named to the Jewish Sports Review’s 2005 College Football All-America Team.

On September 9, in his NFL debut against the Tennessee Titans, Podlesh had five punts for 211 net yards in the 13–10 loss at EverBank Field.

Against the Tennessee Titans in the season opener on September 7, Podlesh had six punts for 222 net yards in the 17–10 loss.

Against the Indianapolis Colts in the season opener on September 13, Podlesh had five punts for 189 net yards in the 14–12 loss at Lucas Oil Stadium.

[31] In 2010, Podlesh was diagnosed with cancer of the salivary gland, but following successful surgery he was told that radiation therapy and chemotherapy would not be required, and he returned to the field after six weeks, not missing any playing time.

Against the Denver Broncos in the season opener on September 12, Podlesh had four punts for 165 net yards in the 24–17 victory.

[40] Against the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day, Podlesh had a season high 49.00 yards per punt average in the 35–21 loss.

[42] Podlesh recorded a 40.4 yard net average in the 2011 season, the best average by a Chicago Bear since 1966, despite injuries to special teamers Patrick Mannelly, Brian Iwuh, Kyle Adams, and Anthony Walters, as well as Chris Conte, Major Wright, and Kahlil Bell becoming starters, and Sam Hurd getting released.

His 43.85 yard gross average was the best of his career, and was the third highest in team history, behind Todd Sauerbrun's 44.8 in 1996 and Brad Maynard's 44.2 in 2006.

[43] In the second game of the 2012 preseason, Podlesh left the game with a left hip flexor that he sustained while attempting to tackle Washington Redskins returner Brandon Banks, who eventually returned the punt 91 yards for a touchdown.

Against the Indianapolis Colts in the season opener at home on September 9, Podlesh had five punts for 208 net yards in the 41–21 victory.

[48] In Week 2, against the Green Bay Packers, Podlesh had a season-high 46.80 yards per punt average in the 23–10 loss.

[49] In Week 12 against the Minnesota Vikings, Podlesh faked the extra point, and ran it in for a two-point conversion.

Against the Cincinnati Bengals in the season opener at home on September 8, Podlesh had five punts for 232 net yards in the 24–21 victory.

[55] Against the Washington Redskins in Week 7 at FedExField, Podlesh had a season-high 49.00 yards per punt average in the 45–41 loss.