Top 10 returners in NFL history

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Dec 20, 2007

Top 10 returners in NFL history

Gale Sayers

The Bears legend made an incredible impact in his short career. He is the NFL all-time leader in kickoff return average (30.56 yards) and is tied for the lead in kickoff returns for TDs with six.

Deion Sanders

Others wracked up more return numbers, but Deion was also busy as the premier cornerback of his era, so he didn't get as many attempts as other retuners. But Prime Time did return six punts and three kickoffs for touchdowns.

Devin Hester

Hester could easily be on the top of this list before long. He has six kickoff returns and four punt returns for TDs in 30 regular season games. He also returned a kickoff for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLI.

Billy "White Shoes" Johnson

Johnson was a dangerous returner throughout his 14-year NFL career. He made three Pro Bowls and was named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team as a punt returner. He also revolutionized the game with his charismatic end-zone dances.

Brian Mitchell

He's the all-time leader in kickoff return yardage (14,014) and punt return yards (4,999), and holds the record with 13 return TDs (nine on punts, four on kickoffs).

Dante Hall

He was the most dangerous player in the NFL for a couple of seasons. In 2003, he returned two kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns, and he has 12 returns for TDs in his career. Nicknamed the "Human Joystick," Hall is one of the most creative returners in history.

Eric Metcalf

Metcalf, who played with seven teams, holds the record for punt return touchdowns with 10.

Ollie Matson

For some time Matson held the NFL record with nine return touchdowns. The Hall of Fame halfback contributed in all aspects of the game, and was especially dangerous returning the ball.

Rick Upchurch

The Broncos speedster had eight career punt returns for touchdowns and led the NFL in punt-return average three times. One of the fastest players in the NFL, Upchurch is also notable for once dating Condoleezza Rice.

Desmond Howard

The former Heisman Trophy winner never delivered on his promise as a receiver, but he had eight career punt return touchdowns and earned MVP honors for Super Bowl XXXI when he had 244 total return yards and a kickoff return for a touchdown.