Test Results: Height Matters In Return Game

After minutes of brainstorming I pondered the question... Does height matter when you're an NFL Kick/Punt returner? Plagued for hours over this subject after watching Josh Cribbs return yet another touchdown, I decided to conduct a test to see if there was any truth to my speculation.

Using two subjects, Clevelands Josh Cribbs 27 years old, 6'1", 215 lbs. and Mooresville, North Carolinas Giovanni Pellegrino 8 years old, 4'7", 87lbs. Using Josh Cribbs last 10 returns as a benchmark, I brought Giovanni to a local regulation sized football field and conducted my experiment.

Upon arriving at the field I placed Giovanni at the 20 yard line and walked 60 yards in the opposite direction. I then placed my regulation sized football on a tee and preceeded to kick the ball 10 times in his direction. Once I concluded the experiment I tabulated the numbers and confirmed my suspicions. It is my belief that the NFL will now utilize my results when searching for a premier return specialist. In a related story I also found that height may play a role in fumbles as well.

The following are the results of my expirement:

Josh Cribbs: 10 returns, 34.5 yard average per return, 0 fumbles, 2 Touchdowns.

Giovanni Pellegrino: 10 returns, 1.5 yard average per return, 5 unforced fumbles, 0 Touchdowns.

It is now quite obvious that height does matter in the return game. It is my belief that the taller you are, the more success you will have in the NFL. Remember... You heard it here first!

Peter Comunale

"The Horses Mouth"