A 2-time punt return yards leader, Dave Meggett ended his career with the most punt return yards in NFL history, which still ranks second to this day. He totaled 9,274 yards over a 10-year career and even added 8 touchdowns to his tally.
A transcendent player for his time, Billy Johnson totaled over 6,000 return yards in his career alongside 8 touchdowns. His explosive ability paved the way for three Pro Bowl selections as well inductions into the NFL 1970s and 1980s All-Decade Teams, while making it to the 75th and 100th Anniversary Teams as well.
The record holder for most career kickoff and punt return yards, and subsequently, total return yards, Brian Mitchell was a singular force when it came to returning the ball. He finished his career with the second-most all-purpose yards in NFL history, and is second in special team touchdowns with 13.
The prototypical Swiss-army knife, Gale Sayers had his career shortened by injuries but in a short period of time, he had already proven to be an all-time great. Through just 7 seasons, he had over 3,000 return yards, while adding 8 touchdowns as well. He also held the mind-blowing stat of most all-purpose touchdowns in a game with 6 and the highest combined yards per game average at an unbelievable 138.75.
There was very little that Deion Sanders couldn't do in the world of sports. But as a return specialist, he led the league in kickoff return yards one time and covered nearly 6,000 yards on returns.
A three-time Pro Bowl and two-time All-Pro selection, Josh Cribbs was a member of the 2000s All-Decade Team after leading the league in kickoff return yards in 2007. During his 10-year stint in the NFL, Cribbs totaled close to 13,500 return yards and even added 11 touchdowns.
The NFL record holder for most punt return yards in a single season, Desmond Howard has a Super Bowl MVP to his name as well, for returning the longest return in Super Bowl history with a 99-yard touchdown. An illustrious career saw him tally over 10,000 return yards, while adding 8 return touchdowns to the catalogue, but his electric postseason performances made him a no-doubt selection on this list.
The X-Factor, Dante Hall led the league in kickoff return yards in 2004 and even made the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team on the back of a two Pro Bowl and two All-Pro team selections career. During his stint in the NFL, he compiled 12 return touchdowns to go along with 12,397 return yards.
The only active member on this list, Cordarrelle Patterson has the longest kick return in NFL history at 109, which is also the maximum amount possible. One of the all-time great kick returners, he holds the record for most kickoff returns for touchdown at nine, with six of them exceeding the 100-yard mark. A two-time kickoff return yards leader, a member of the 2010s All-Decade Team, four-time Pro Bowler and seven-time All-Pro selection, Patterson has etched his name repeatedly into the history books.
Considered by many to be one of the most unbreakable records of all-time, Devin Hester tallied 20 return touchdowns in his career. No other player comes close and the closest active name is Cordarrelle Patterson with just 9. He also holds the record for most punt return touchdowns with 14 and most return touchdowns in a single season with 6.
