NFL: 11 Greatest Returns of All Time

A long kick return for a touchdown is the most exciting play in football.  Many of the virtues of good offensive and defensive play are rooted in patience and tactical intricacy.  The special teams return is football's ode to instant gratification.

With the proposed changes to the kickoff rules there may sadly be less and less dazzling runbacks witnessed in the NFL.  In 2010 there was seven in the first eight weeks alone.  Each time a returner breaks free with 'only the kicker to beat' and the end zone in sight, adrenalin increases and fans are brought to their feet.

Here are 11 of the greatest returns in NFL history.  The list concerns itself with special teams plays.  Some have been selected due to the individual brilliance of the returner, some are personal preference and others command a place on the list due to the impact on the particular game in which they occurred.

11. Devin Hester vs. New York Giants—2006

It's a difficult decision choosing a specific highlight from Devin Hester's live catalogue of great returns.  His punt return in the Bears stunning comeback against the Arizona Cardinals came close due to the impact it had in turning that game in Chicago's favour.  But in the end it was Hester's cheeky Monday night bait and switch against the New York Giants that makes the list. 

With the Giants trailing by four early in the final period, they opted for a 52-yard field goal attempt to try and reduce the deficit to a single point.  Just before the snap, Hester retreated all the way back into the end zone.  When the kick fell short, the Bears return ace caught it and everybody stopped, assuming that Hester had paused—a natural prelude to downing the ball for a touchback.

Hester had other ideas.  Even as he began to jog out of the end zone, no Giants player was able to fathom his intentions.  Hester then took off and used his trademark sudden acceleration to escape down the sideline, ride a tackle and score.

In 2006, Hester set the all-time record for scoring runbacks in a single season with six and finished as the Bears second most productive player in terms of points.  This was without even playing a down of offense.  This daring piece of bravado may not represent his most skilled return. But the sheer audacity of it makes it one of the more memorable plays in league history.

10. Eric Metcalf vs. Pittsburgh Steelers—1993

In week 8 of the 1993 season, Cleveland Browns big play specialist Eric Metcalf bested the Pittsburgh Steelers with two spectacular punt return touchdowns.  Metcalf's dazzling return skills were the decisive factor between these fierce rivals on this occasion.

Metcalf had already blazed his way past a bewildered Steelers special teams to score on a 91-yard punt return earlier in the game.  But it is his game winning 75-yard display of nifty footwork and high speed which earns a place on this list.

Able to cut on the run as well as any returner in NFL history, Metcalf fielded a punt with just over two minutes remaining and the Steelers holding a slender 23-21 edge.  Metcalf caught the ball and immediately exploded past the first wave of tacklers.  One cut later and Metcalf was in the clear, his quickness taking him the rest of the way amid thunderous roars from the original 'Dawg Pound.'

One of the great things about this return is the crowd.  The moment when Metcalf makes his cut, the roar from the crowd grows with his speed.  Browns fans collectively realise that 'he could go all the way!'  It's what great returns in the NFL are supposed to look and sound like.

9. DeSean Jackson vs. New York Giants—2010

This return instantly earned legendary status as part of Eagles vs. Giants folklore. DeSean's Jackson's 65-yard completion of a remarkable Philly comeback ranks as one of the most shocking conclusions to a game in NFL history.

With the score tied at 31 and 14 seconds left on the clock, this bitterly fought showdown for the NFC East title was decided by the electrifying Jackson.  After having already endured a rough start to his pro career, Giants rookie punter Matt Dodge did nothing to further his standing with the Big Blue faithful by inexplicably kicking the ball to the dangerous Jackson.

The Eagles fleet footed return man actually bobbled the kick but managed to take it on the bounce and proceed to knife his way through the ponderous Giants special teams to win the game.  New York head coach Tom Coughlin immediately took to the field and remonstrated with Dodge for having even given Jackson a chance of a return.

Jackson's cocky, prolonged entrance into the end zone is a sight which probably still enrages Giants fans and delights Eagles followers in equal measure.

8. Darrell Green vs. Chicago Bears—1987 NFC Divisional Playoff

Following the 1987 season the Washington Redskins travelled to Soldier Field and for the second straight season tamed the mighty Chicago Bears in the divisional playoffs.  The highlight moment in one of the finest team performances in Redskins history was Darrell Green's 52-yard punt return for the score which swung the game permanently in Washington's favour.

Green's trademark breathtaking speed naturally separated him from his pursuers, but it is his high step hurdle that most sticks in memory.  With this daring move, Green bypassed three potential tacklers and cleared a natural path to paydirt.

The legendary cornerback also injured himself in the process and the image of Green streaking into the end zone while at the same time, supporting his ribs is another great memory from this return.  More than anything else, Green's heroics demonstrated the true impact a return can have on any game.  The Redskins needed a catalyst for victory and Green's runback was the perfect way to get it.

Doug Williams displayed great poise against the Bears vaunted defense and Charles Mann terrorised Jim McMahon, but Green's punt return stands as the enduring image from this postseason classic.

7. Mike Bass vs. Miami Dolphins—Super Bowl VII

A blocked field goal or punt can be as devastating to a team as a quarterback sack.  Perhaps the most famous blocked field goal attempt of all time occurred in Super Bowl VII.

The 1972 Miami Dolphins were moments away from a completing the first ever unbeaten season in league history.  Leading George Allen's Washington Redskins 14-0, the Dolphins became foolishly enamoured with the symmetry of recording their 17th win with a 17-0 scoreline.

Up stepped kicker Garo Yepremien to attempt a field goal to apply a perfect seal to the perfect season.  Inevitably, calamity struck.  The Redskins blocked the kick and in the ensuing farce Yepremien for reasons beyond all understanding, batted the ball towards the sky.  Mike Bass was the grateful recipient, plucking the loose pigskin out of the air and returning it all the way for the points.

The Dolphins survived the embarrassing hitch to become the first and only unbeaten team the NFL has ever known.  Sadly, too often the abiding memory of their wonderful achievement is encapsulated by Yepremien's blunder. 

6. Dante Hall vs. Denver Broncos—2003

Choosing a favourite return from Dante Hall's archive is tricky.  But his sharp turning, change of direction masterpiece against the Denver Broncos in 2003, seen at 1:01 of this video, just about leads the way.

Pure individual brilliance often characterised the amazing scoring returns of Dante Hall.  A true Houdini in the return game, Hall frequently made something out of nothing.  The excitement before Hall received a kick was intense as it was hard to predict exactly which direction Hall's runback would take.

A diminutive flanker, Hall certainly possessed great speed.  But more than anything else it was his footwork combined with his dazzling array of feints that made Hall's returns truly unforgettable.

5. Joey Galloway vs. Denver Broncos—1996

Before Dante Hall would make moves like this more famous, Joey Galloway offered a masterclass in reversing field with this brilliant punt return against the Denver Broncos.

Upon fielding the kick, Galloway is almost immediately faced with a three-man barrier of Broncos special teamers.  Looking as if he is about to get swallowed up by the opposition, Galloway executes an unbelievably sharp turn.

From there, the speedy wideout seamlessly rolls into a spin move and leaves his trio of would be tacklers swatting at air.  Galloway then impatiently points at where he wants his blockers to go and proceeds to weave his way into the clear.

Finally, the Seahawks return ace uses a sudden burst of acceleration to streak into the end zone, completing a stunning score.  Galloway had a penchant for the spectacular throughout his playing days, especially during his early years.  This underrated return is the finest example.

4. Gale Sayers vs. San Francisco 49ers—1965

It may have been more appropriate to include a kickoff return from Sayers in this list.  The legendary elusive runner was one of the all time greats returning kickoffs.  But his punt return to cap a six touchdown effort against the 49ers in 1965, better symbolises how Sayers played the game.

Having already scored five touchdowns, Sayers was pulled from the contest by George Halas.  With the Wrigley field faithful clamouring for Sayers to get his hands on the ball one more time, Halas relented and decided to let Sayers field a punt.

The punt return, seen at 1:43 of this video, brilliantly showcases the finest attributes of the 'Kansas Comet.'  With effortless cuts and rapid footwork, Sayers simply glides through the 49ers to apply the perfect flourish to his signature game.

The play also demonstrates the beauty of the return game.  A return offers the clearest expression of raw athleticism and football in its purest form.

3. Antonio Cromartie vs. Minnesota Vikings—2006

Antonio Cromartie produced one of the best displays of pure athleticism the NFL has ever seen to deliver the longest play in league history.

Cromartie bested the record previously owned by the Baltimore Ravens Ed Reed, by a solitary yard.  Although Chris McAlister and Nathan Vasher also produced marathon-like returns from field goals which fell short, neither did it with quite the same physical dominance as Cromartie managed in Minnesota.

Straining to pull off an amazing leaping catch of the kick while somehow maintaining balance and managing not to step over the backline, Cromartie neatly secured the football and began his return.

Terrific speed took Cromartie the rest of the way.  The rest of the way being 109 yards.  Cromartie didn't utilise the same 'will he or won't he?' sleight of hand as Devin Hester used in the Meadowlands.  But his acrobatic catch and subsequent defiant sprint to the other end of the field grants him a higher place on the list.

2. Kevin Dyson vs. Buffalo Bills—1999 AFC Wildcard Playoff

Certainly the most controversial play to make this list.  Frank Wycheck's dubious lateral toss to wide receiver Kevin Dyson produced one of the most exciting and heavily debated finishes in NFL playoff history.

The play helped signal the beginning of a fruitful period for the Titans franchise as they became a perennial contender for the AFC Championship during most of the last decade.  The Buffalo Bills on the other hand have barely recovered from the play to this day, having failed to make the postseason since.

The debate concerning the legitimacy of what became known as 'The Music City Miracle' will continue.  But the play stands as a testament to how quickly a return can devastate and delight in equal measure, how a return can alter not only the outcome of a game but the course of a franchise.

1. Desmond Howard vs. New England Patriots—Super Bowl XXXI

Completely shifting the momentum in the NFL's biggest game earns Desmond Howard's 99-yard kickoff return top billing on this list.

When the powerful Green Bay Packers met the upstart New England Patriots in Super Bowl 31 following the 1996 season, many expected the customary demolition from the NFC representative.  Although the Packers used select big plays to stake themselves to a 27-14 halftime advantage, the Patriots battled back.

In the third quarter behind a resolute effort and fine coaching from Bill Parcells and his staff, New England slowly began to turn the tide.  With the Pats defense becoming more stingy, the high octane Packers offense stalled.  New England quarterback Drew Bledsoe then engineered an efficient drive finished off by Curtis Martin's powerful 18-yard burst through the middle.  The deficit was reduced to just six points.

All of the momentum was with the Patriots.  The feeling was in the air that Bill Parcells and his team simply wouldn't be denied.  The Packers coronation had been put on hold and they were now on the back foot.

On the ensuing kickoff Green Bay return ace Desmond Howard eradicated all those feelings.  Fielding the kick at the 1-yard line, Howard took a second to allow his blocking wall to develop and then proceeded to waltz through the desperate attempts of the New England special teams to corral him.

Howard's effort finally broke the spirit of the Patriots in one fell swoop and turned the game permanently in the favour of the Packers.  With 244 yards on the day, Howard became the only return man in NFL history to earn Super Bowl MVP honours.  The only kickoff he ever took back in his career stands as the most decisive return in league history.