Top 10 Best NFL Kick / Punt Returners of All Time
When combining punt returns and kick returns, no doubt he is first. I am a huge Hester fan, but Cribbs was more impressive than Hester on kick returns (Leon Washington too, just look at their numbers, averages, and ratios).
Cribbs had 426 returns for 8 TDs (his 8 TDs all came in his first 241 returns), Washington had 292 returns for 8 TDs, and Hester had 276 returns for 5 TDs (regular season, plus one in the Super Bowl).
If you look at punt returns, no one is even close to Hester. I agree kick returns and punt returns are much different. Hester and Deion are definitely 1 and 2 in punt returns. Cribbs and Leon Washington are 1 and 2 in kick returns. However, Sayers is number one in TD ratio: 91 kick returns for 6 TDs.
Deion Sanders, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011, was renowned for his versatility as a cornerback and return specialist. He recorded six punt return touchdowns during his NFL career. I've got two words for you: the best! He was the first to bring true excitement to the return game. The art of return was his specialty. The problem is he doesn't get enough credit because he was so good at so many other positions.
Prime Time is the best returner of all time! He can return interceptions, punts, kicks, anything you can think of he can return.
Kickoffs are more difficult to return than punts. The opponent has a running start at you, and more than likely, you are coming out of your own end zone. That's why I believe Cribbs is the best. Hester is amazing, but I would take Joshua's kick return ability first.
Remember a little thing called the immaculate deception? Come on people!
All-time kick returner for touchdown leader. He is way better than 5th!
DeSean Jackson, primarily known as a wide receiver, also excelled as a punt returner. He recorded four punt return touchdowns, including a memorable game-winning return against the New York Giants in 2010. He is the best player ever, I think. And that one punt return against the Giants was epic.
He was the best and the most entertaining. Loved watching him return!
The best of all time, especially considering his height!
I went to college with him. I saw him there and in the NFL. He was the best ever - college and pros.
He is the second-best returner, just behind Hester. And Washington is now with the Tennessee Titans, the best team in the NFL.
Should be top 10. He and Hester are tied for most kick/punt return TDs in NFL history.
Dante was a clutch player who delivered when the team needed him most. Beyond that, his sheer talent was undeniable. His ability to evade tackles and juke entire teams of defenders was astounding, something few others could even dream of competing with.
I have to agree with the posts here. In particular, Hall always came through when his team needed him the most. Game changer. Don't kick the ball to Dante Hall! He would have broken more records had teams actually done that. Hats off to the human joystick!
Patrick Peterson, a cornerback, made an immediate impact as a return specialist in his rookie season. He tied the NFL single-season record with four punt return touchdowns in 2011. Little known, but in his first year (2011-2012) he tied a record for most punt returns for touchdowns. He was also the only rookie in the 2012 Pro Bowl. This guy is going to be amazing next season.
Darren Sproles, known for his versatility, ranks among the top in all-purpose yards in NFL history. He recorded seven return touchdowns and was selected to three Pro Bowls. He's on the Eagles. Third most punt returns ever. What do you say about that?
Small but explosive, that guy has serious speed and some nasty ankle breakers.
Desmond Howard, the Super Bowl XXXI MVP, is the only special teams player to receive this honor. He led the league in punt return yards twice during his career. I know he's not better than Hester or Sayers, but he's got a Super Bowl ring and Super Bowl MVP. Neither of those two can say that.
The Newcomers
Tim Brown, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015, recorded three punt return touchdowns and one kickoff return touchdown. He ranks sixth in NFL history for career punt return yards.
Reggie Bush, primarily recognized as a running back, also contributed as a punt returner. He scored four punt return touchdowns during his NFL career.He should be in the Hall of Fame. Only Jerry Rice has more all-purpose yards than Mitchell's 22,000. Nineteen thousand of those yards are in the return game, where he also had 13 TDs.
Only one other person has 15,000 return yards. Brian Mitchell is miles (literally) ahead of anyone in return yardage in the history of the NFL. Greatest returner ever. All-time leader in punt and kick yards.
All-around player. Special teams get ignored in Hall of Fame ballots most of the time. Brian Mitchell should be in the Hall of Fame eventually because of his versatility, character, and overall stats.
Are you kidding me?! How is Roscoe not on this list right below Devin Hester?
Wow, as fast as Barry with Barry-like moves made that team a legit threat.
The guy never played in college and didn't catch punts until he got to the NFL.
I saw Gayle Sayers play on TV when I was a kid. He was like a man against boys. In the rain and mud, he was sensational. The guy didn't walk on water, but he could sure run on mud.
Gayle Sayers only played for about six seasons, but he was one heck of a return man.
Vai is a bad man. Nasty punt returner. Punch that goal post, Vai! He was the pioneer of the goal post punching bag celebration and had many chances to do it because he was electric.
Pro Bowler twice, goalpost punching champ.
Holds the record for most punt returns for a rookie and made it to the Hall of Fame in 1970.
It took 54 years just to get his record tied.
Considering he split time as a third-down back, his best 633 yards and one 1,000-yard receiving season are impressive. He literally bested teams himself. Ask Pittsburgh.
Better than Desmond Howard, who's a bit overrated in my opinion. Metcalf belongs in the bottom half of the top 10 list, at worst. Three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro makes my case.
Julian Edelman, primarily known as a wide receiver, also excelled as a punt returner, scoring four punt return touchdowns. He was named Super Bowl LIII MVP and ranks among the New England Patriots' all-time leaders in punt return yards. Julian Edelman never quits. He is a tough dude. He is small, fast, and good at catching.
Doing great this 2020 year with Matt Nagy experimenting with him. Can't wait to see more!