October 7, 2026
October 7, 2026
In the game of American football, there is a certain art of returning punts and kicks that can’t be taught. A successful special teams player who returns punts and kicks for touchdowns needs a few key traits. The returner must first be fast enough to avoid defenders, and then must be wise enough to read what is breaking down on the field so that he can find an opening and run right through it.
Three NFL players who had lengthy careers returning punts and kicks were able to master this art.
Starting with a player who is still active in the NFL today, Devin Hester has set the standard for returning footballs on special teams. In fact, punt and kick returns for touchdowns have been Hester’s specialty, though he has also played cornerback and wide receiver. Beginning his journey in 2006 with the Chicago Bears, Hester played in all 16 games and had 47 punt returns for 600 yards and 3 touchdowns, along with 20 kick returns for 96 yards and 2 touchdowns. In the 2006 postseason, which saw the Bears go all the way to Super Bowl XLI, Hester had 7 kick returns for 184 yards and 1 touchdown. That lone postseason touchdown came in the Super Bowl.
Playing in all 16 games again in 2007, Hester had 42 punt returns for 651 yards and 4 touchdowns, along with 43 kick returns for 934 yards and 2 touchdowns. In 2008, Hester played in 15 games and had 32 punt returns for 198 yards and 31 kick returns for 679 yards. In 2009, Hester played in 13 games and had 24 punt returns for 187 yards and 7 kick returns for 156 yards. In 2010, Hester played all 16 games and had 33 punt returns for 564 yards and 3 touchdowns, along with 12 kick returns for 427 yards.
Playing in all 16 games in 2011, Hester had 33 kick returns for 723 yards and 1 touchdown. In 2012, Hester played in 15 games and had 40 punt returns for 331 yards and 24 kick returns for 621 yards. The 2013 season would be Hester’s last in Chicago. He played in all 16 games, recording 18 punt returns for 256 yards and 1 touchdown, along with 52 kick returns for 1,436 yards.
Signing with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent in 2014, Hester played in all 16 games and had 18 punt returns for 240 yards and 1 touchdown, along with 45 kick returns for 1,128 yards. In 2015, Hester had 9 kick returns for 235 yards.
Running back and wide receiver Eric Metcalf had a long career in the NFL, and one of his responsibilities was to give his teams a boost by making plays on special teams. Beginning his career with the original Cleveland Browns in 1989, Metcalf had 31 kick returns for 718 yards. In 1990, Metcalf found his way on special teams with 52 kick returns for 1,052 yards and 2 touchdowns. In 1991, Metcalf played in only 8 games, recording 23 kick returns for 351 yards. In 1992, Metcalf had 44 punt returns for 429 yards and 1 touchdown. In 1993, Metcalf had 36 punt returns for 464 yards and 2 touchdowns, along with 15 kick returns for 318 yards. In 1994, Metcalf had 35 punt returns for 348 yards and 2 touchdowns, along with 9 kick returns for 210 yards.
Playing for the Atlanta Falcons in 1995, Metcalf played in all 16 games and had 39 punt returns for 383 yards and 1 touchdown, along with 12 kick returns for 278 yards. In 1996, Metcalf had 27 punt returns for 296 yards and 49 kick returns for 1,034 yards. Playing for the San Diego Chargers in 1997, Metcalf had 45 punt returns for 489 yards and 3 touchdowns, along with 16 kick returns for 355 yards.
In 1998, Metcalf played for the Arizona Cardinals and had 43 punt returns for 295 yards and 57 kick returns for 1,218 yards. Playing for yet another team in 1999, Metcalf joined the Carolina Panthers and had 34 punt returns for 238 yards. After sitting out 2000, Metcalf returned to football in 2001 with the Washington Redskins, and in 10 games he had 33 punt returns for 412 yards and 1 touchdown.
A fine example of long-lasting success on special teams was running back Brian Mitchell, who helped the Washington Redskins win Super Bowl XXVI. Mitchell enjoyed a 14-year career filled with great punt and kick returns. In 1990, Mitchell played in 15 games and had 18 kick returns for 365 yards. In the Super Bowl campaign of 1991, Mitchell had 45 punt returns for 600 yards and 2 touchdowns, along with 29 kick returns for 583 yards. In 1992, Mitchell had 29 punt returns for 271 yards and 1 touchdown, along with 23 kick returns for 492 yards.
In 1993, Mitchell had 33 kick returns for 678 yards. In 1994, Mitchell had 32 punt returns for 452 yards and 2 touchdowns, along with 58 kick returns for 1,478 yards. In 1995, Mitchell had 25 punt returns for 315 yards and 1 touchdown, along with 55 kick returns for 1,408 yards. In 1996, Mitchell had 23 punt returns for 258 yards and 56 kick returns for 1,258 yards. In 1997, Mitchell had 38 punt returns for 442 yards and 1 touchdown, along with 47 kick returns for 1,094 yards and 1 touchdown.
In 1998, Mitchell had 44 punt returns for 506 yards, along with 59 kick returns for 1,337 yards and 1 touchdown. The 1999 season would be the last of a productive 10-year run in Washington for Mitchell, as he had 43 kick returns for 893 yards.
Joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 2000, Mitchell had 32 punt returns for 335 yards and 1 touchdown, along with 47 kick returns for 1,124 yards and 1 touchdown. In 2001, Mitchell had 39 punt returns for 467 yards and 41 kick returns for 1,025 yards and 1 touchdown. In 2002, Mitchell had 46 punt returns for 567 yards and 1 touchdown, along with 43 kick returns for 1,162 yards. Mitchell finished his NFL career with the New York Giants in 2003, recording 55 kick returns for 1,117 yards. Except for his rookie year in 1990, Mitchell played in all 16 games of every season of his career.
Each of these three players ranks among the best special teams players in NFL history. Brian Mitchell has the most career kick return yards with 14,014, and he also has the most career punt return yards with 4,999 and the most punt returns with 463. Mitchell also ranks 3rd in career punt returns for touchdowns with 9. Eric Metcalf ranks 2nd behind Mitchell in career punt returns with 351, and he ranks 2nd behind Hester in career punt returns for touchdowns with 10. Metcalf ranks 5th, behind both Hester and Mitchell, in career punt return yards with 3,453. Devin Hester has the most career punt returns for touchdowns with 14, and he ranks 4th in career punt return yards with 3,538. Hester is also at or near the top 10 in career punt returns with 294 and career kick return yards with 6,984.
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