Return specialists in the NFL have carved out a unique niche in football history, captivating fans with their speed, agility, and game-changing plays. These athletes have displayed an extraordinary ability to tilt the field in their team’s favor with electrifying returns, often turning the tide of a game with a single play.
In this article, we explore the top 15 return specialists, whose remarkable careers have effected the league and have set high standards for future generations.
15. Tyreek Hill
Tyreek Hill is renowned for his speed and versatility as a return specialist. He was named to the Pro Bowl as a return specialist in 2017 and holds impressive punt return statistics. Hill now plays as a wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins.
14. Darren Sproles
Darren Sproles is renowned for his exceptional return skills, with nine career return touchdowns, including seven punt returns. He holds multiple records and was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-2010s Team. Sproles is currently a personnel consultant for the Philadelphia Eagles.
13. Rick Upchurch
Rick Upchurch is renowned for his exceptional return skills, playing for the Denver Broncos from 1975 to 1983. He holds the record for eight punt returns for touchdowns and led the NFL in punt return average twice. Upchurch’s legacy includes being one of the greatest return specialists in NFL history.
12. Leon Washington
Leon Washington is renowned for his dynamic return skills, holding multiple records with the Jets and Seahawks. He was a Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection, known for his versatility as a running back and return specialist. Washington’s coaching stint with the Jets ended in 2023.
11. Desmond Howard
Desmond Howard is renowned for his exceptional return skills, winning Super Bowl XXXI MVP with the Green Bay Packers. He holds the NFL single-season record for punt return yardage and scored 15 touchdowns in his career. Howard gained 12,155 all-purpose yards in 11 seasons.
10. Billy “White Shoes” Johnson
Billy “White Shoes” Johnson is renowned for his electrifying returns and iconic “Funky Chicken” dance. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and First-Team All-Pro, known for his speed and agility. Johnson’s legacy includes being named to the NFL’s 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams.
9. Eric Metcalf
Eric Metcalf was a versatile NFL player known for his exceptional return skills. He played for seven teams over 12 seasons, accumulating over 14,000 all-purpose yards. Metcalf remains the only player with more than 7,000 yards from scrimmage and return yards.
8. Cordarrelle Patterson
Cordarrelle Patterson is renowned for his exceptional return skills, holding the NFL record with nine kickoff return touchdowns. He has played for several teams, including the Vikings, Patriots, and Falcons, and currently plays for the Steelers. Patterson’s versatility extends beyond returns to running back and receiver roles.
7. Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders is renowned for his electrifying returns, accumulating 2,199 punt return yards and 3,523 kickoff return yards. He scored six punt return touchdowns and three kickoff return touchdowns, showcasing his speed and agility as a return specialist throughout his 14-year NFL career.
6. Mel Gray
Mel Gray is renowned as one of the greatest return specialists in NFL history. He holds records for being the oldest player to return a kickoff for a touchdown multiple times. Gray played for the New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, and others, showcasing his exceptional skills as a returner.
5. Gale Sayers
Gale Sayers, known as “the Kansas Comet,” was a legendary return specialist. He led the NFL in kickoff return yards at retirement and holds a record for most touchdowns in a single game. Sayers’ elusiveness and agility made him a standout player despite a short career.
4. Josh Cribbs
Josh Cribbs is renowned for his exceptional return skills, tying for the NFL record with eight kickoff return touchdowns. He played for the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, and Indianapolis Colts. Cribbs also holds multiple Browns franchise records and was a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
3. Dante Hall
Dante Hall, known as “The Human Joystick,” was a dynamic return specialist for the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Rams. He holds several Chiefs franchise records, including career kick return yards and touchdowns. Hall’s electrifying plays earned him multiple Pro Bowl selections.
2. Brian Mitchell
Brian Mitchell is one of the greatest return specialists in NFL history. He holds records for kickoff returns and yardage, with 607 returns for 14,014 yards. Mitchell also had 9 punt return touchdowns and is second in all-purpose yardage with 23,330 yards.
Read More: Hulk Hogan: The Rise and Reinvention of a WWE Wrestling Icon
1. Devin Hester
Devin Hester is widely regarded as the greatest return specialist in NFL history. He holds the record for most return touchdowns with 20, including 14 on punt returns and five on kickoffs. Hester was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Best Punters in NFL History
