Art of Returning Punts and Kicks

Art of Returning Punts and Kicks

Art of Returning Punts and Kicks

In the game of American Football there is a certain art of returning punts and kicks that can’t be taught. There are key components of a successful special teams player that returns punts and kicks for touchdowns. That returner must first be fast enough to avoid defenders, and then must be wise enough to analyze what is breaking down on the field so that he can find an opening and run right through it.

In the case of 3 NFL players who had lengthy careers of returning punts and kicks, they were able to master this art. Starting with a player who is still active in the NFL today, Devin Hester has been one to set the standard for returning footballs on special teams. In fact punt and kick returns for touchdowns has been Hester’s specialty, though he has also been a cornerback and a wide receiver. Beginning his journey in 2006 with the Chicago Bears, Hester played in all 16 games had 47 punt returns for 600 yards and 3 touchdowns while having 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. The 1 postseason touchdown Hester scored came in the Super Bowl.

Playing in all 16 games again in 2007, Hester had 42 punt returns for 651 yards and 4 touchdowns while having 43 kick returns for 934 yards and 2 touchdowns. In 2008 Hester played in 15 games and had 32 punt returns for 198 yards while also having 31 kick returns for 679 yards. In 2009 Hester played in 13 games and had 24 punt returns for 187 yards while also having 7 kick returns for 156 yards. In 2010 Hester would play all 16 games and had 33 punt returns for 564 yards and 3 touchdowns while also having 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. 2013 would be Hester’s last year in Chicago as he played in all 16 games, having 18 punt returns for 256 yards and 1 touchdown while also having 52 kick returns for 1436 yards. Signing with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent in 2014, Hester would play in all 16 games and had 18 punt returns for 240 yards and 1 touchdown while having 45 kick returns for 1128 yards. In 2015 Hester had 9 kick returns for 235 yards.

Runningback 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 as he had 52 kick returns for 1052 yards and 2 touchdowns. In 1991 Metcalf played in only 8 games, having 23 kick returns for 351 yards. In 1992 had 44 punt returns for 429 yards and 1 touchdown. In 1993 Metcalf had 36 punt returns for 464 yards and 2 touchdowns while also having 15 kick returns for 318 yards. In 1994 Metcalf had 35 punt returns for 348 yards and 2 touchdowns while also having 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 while also having 12 kick returns for 278 yards. In 1996 Metcalf had 27 punt returns for 296 yards while also having 49 kick returns for 1034 yards. Playing for the San Diego Chargers in 1997, Metcalf had 45 punt returns for 489 yards and 3 touchdowns while also having 16 kick returns for 355 yards.

In 1998 Metcalf played for the Arizona Cardinals and he had 43 punt returns for 295 yards while also having 57 kick returns for 1218 yards. Playing for yet another team in 1999, Metcalf would play for the Carolina Panthers and had 34 punt returns for 238 yards. Sitting out 2000 Metcalf returned to playing 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 runningback Brian Mitchell, who would help the Washington Redskins win XXVI. Mitchell would enjoy 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 while also having 29 kick returns for 583 yards. In 1992 Mitchell had 29 punt returns for 271 yards and 1 touchdown while also having 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 while also having 58 kick returns for 1478 yards. In 1995 Mitchell had 25 punt returns for 315 yards and 1 touchdown while also having 55 kick returns for 1408 yards. In 1996 Mitchell had 23 punt returns for 258 yards while also having 56 kick returns for 1258 yards. In 1997 Mitchell had 38 punt returns for 442 yards and 1 touchdown while also having 47 kick returns for 1094 yards and 1 touchdown.

In 1998 Mitchell had 44 punt returns for 506 yards while also having 59 kick returns for 1337 yards and 1 touchdown. 1999 would be the last of a productive 10-year career 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 while also having 47 kick returns for 1124 yards and 1 touchdown. In 2001 Mitchell had 39 punt returns for 467 yards while also having 41 kick returns for 1025 yards and 1 touchdown. In 2002 Mitchell had 46 punt returns for 567 yards and 1 touchdown while also having 43 kick returns for 1162 yards. Mitchell finished his NFL career with the New York Giants in 2003, having 55 kick returns for 1117 yards. Except for his rookie year in 1990, Mitchell managed to play in all 16 games of every season of his career.

Each of these 3 special teams players rank as some of 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 4999 and 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 while 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 3453. Devin Hester has the most career punt returns for touchdowns with 14 while he ranks 4th in career punt return yards with 3538. Devin Hester is also at or around the top 10 in career punt returns with 294 and career kick return yards with 6984.