He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers and Florida Gators, and was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2020.

Townsend signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2020.

[7] For his rookie season, he was named to the Pro Football Writers Association's All-Rookie team.

The Chiefs reached Super Bowl LV but lost 31-9 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

[16] Townsend earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for September.

[20][21] In Super Bowl LVII, Townsend punted twice for 98 yards in the Chiefs 38–35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

[27] His older brother, Johnny, is a former professional punter who also played at the University of Florida.