The kick returner, or KR, is a crucial part of any football team’s special teams unit. Kick returners catch kickoffs or punts and try to run the ball back for as many yards as they can, hoping to set up great field position—or, if things go perfectly, score a touchdown. In both college and pro football, a really good returner can flip the momentum of a game with just one electrifying play.
Fans don’t always notice the kick returner, but the job takes speed, vision, and nerves. KRs are some of the most athletic folks on the field. They dodge tacklers and look for tiny gaps in coverage, all while making split-second decisions. If you learn a bit more about what a kick returner actually does, you might start to appreciate just how wild the return game can get.
Some returners become legends, like the guys you’ll find on NFL depth charts or all-time kick return leaderboards. Figuring out what makes these players stand out adds a whole new layer to the strategy—and the thrill—of football returns.
Find the best accommodations
Check availability at 5* hotels, guest houses and apartments rated "superb" or "exceptional" by visitors just like you.
NO RESERVATION FEES
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR DATES HERE
Understanding the Role of a Kick Returner (KR)
A kick returner does more than just run the ball back. Their work directly affects starting field position, and sometimes, they can completely shift the momentum of a game with a single return.
Kick Returner Responsibilities
Kick returners catch balls kicked off by the other team and try to return them as far up the field as possible. This happens during kickoffs and sometimes after safeties.
On every return, the KR has to decide in a split second whether to run or not. They look for gaps, dodge coverage, and try to avoid getting tackled. If the coverage closes in too fast, they might just kneel in the end zone for a touchback instead of risking a bad return.
KRs stay alert at all times. They talk with their blockers and make quick choices based on how the coverage team lines up and moves.
They lead the return unit, guiding teammates and signaling their intentions. A bad decision can cost the team field position or even result in a turnover. Their judgment and reactions matter on every play. Honestly, it’s a lot of pressure, but a smart returner keeps the offense in a solid spot.
Key Skills and Attributes
Great kick returners rely on a mix of pure speed, quickness, and vision. Acceleration is huge, especially right after catching the ball, because defenders are already charging downfield.
Quick cuts and reading blocks make a big difference. A returner needs guts and fast decision-making. Defenders are sprinting straight at them, so staying calm and reacting fast is everything.
They have to protect the ball, too—fumbles are a nightmare for any team. Many of the best NFL returners started out as wide receivers or running backs. Those positions teach them how to catch and break tackles. What sets the top returners apart is that mix of football smarts, confidence, and just plain athleticism.
Difference Between Kick Returner and Punt Returner
Both jobs involve returning a kicked ball, but there are some big differences. Kick returners handle kickoffs, which are long, high kicks from a tee. Punt returners deal with punts, which have a different flight path and usually more hang time.
Punt returners need quick reflexes and great hands. The ball can twist and hang, making catches tricky, and tacklers get there almost immediately. Kick returners, though, usually see the coverage coming and have a bit more time to build up speed.
The skills overlap, but each position asks for a different focus on ball-handling and movement. Some NFL teams use different players for each job, but a few athletes can handle both if they’re versatile enough. If you want to dig into the details, this Reddit thread breaks it down pretty well.
Positions Often Serving as Kick Returners
Most kick returners don’t just return kicks. They also play regular positions on offense or defense.
Wide receivers (WR), running backs (RB), and cornerbacks (CB) usually get picked for KR duty. These spots require speed, agility, and good vision—the same stuff that makes a good returner.
Sometimes, coaches use safeties like strong safety (SS) or free safety (FS) on returns. Wide receivers are popular because they have great hands and speed. Running backs bring balance and can break tackles, while defensive backs are just plain quick.
Coaches look for the right mix of skills and trustworthiness when picking a returner. You can read more about these positions and their special teams roles in this special teams overview.
Performance, Recognition, and Notable Kick Returners
You can’t judge a kick returner’s career by just one stat. Touchdowns, return yards, averages, awards, and records all highlight different parts of a player’s impact.
Touchdowns and Return Yards
People often look at kick return touchdowns and total return yards to judge a returner. These stats show both explosiveness and consistency.
A single great return can swing a game. Returners who reach the end zone often are true game-changers. Cordarrelle Patterson set the modern NFL standard for kick return touchdowns and holds the career record.
Here’s a quick look at some numbers:
| Player | Kick Return TDs | Total Return Yards |
|---|---|---|
| Cordarrelle Patterson | 9 | 8,000+ |
| Devin Hester | 5 | 7,333 |
| Josh Cribbs | 8 | 11,113 |
Return yards show a player’s reliability for field position. Touchdowns show their ability to make big plays.
Kickoff Return Average and Impactful Plays
Average yards per kickoff return matters a lot. It shows both talent and smart choices—basically, how often a player puts their team in a good spot.
A great average is usually 25 yards or more. Anything over 30 yards per return is pretty rare and impressive. This number really matters in close games, where field position can decide everything.
Impactful plays? Those are the long returns that set up easy scores or lead to touchdowns. The Green Bay Packers have always loved returners who can make highlight-reel plays and swing momentum fast.
A returner who consistently gets 20-30 yards and threatens to break one for a touchdown is a huge asset.
All-Pro Awards and NFL Records
All-Pro awards are a big deal. Kick returners who earn these honors are recognized as the best at their position for that year.
Some returners get voted to the Pro Bowl as specialists, which is another sign of respect. Guys like Cordarrelle Patterson have been named All-Pro multiple times for their special teams work.
NFL records—like most kickoff return touchdowns, highest return averages, or total return yards—help fans compare players from different eras. These numbers keep the conversation going about who’s really the greatest.
Famous Kick Returners in NFL History
Some names just pop up when you think about top-tier kick returners. Devin Hester and Cordarrelle Patterson usually come to mind first.
Hester wowed fans with his speed and sharp vision. He actually forced teams to rethink their whole approach to special teams.
Patterson leads the league in career kick return touchdowns. He’s still out there, adding to his numbers every season.
Josh Cribbs made his mark with sheer power and a knack for shrugging off tackles.
Dave Meggett deserves a mention too—he sits second all-time in punt-return yards. Then there’s Gale Sayers, whose moves in the open field set records way back.
Kick returners aren’t just legends on the field. In games like Madden, their speed and agility can flip a matchup in a flash.
They’ve left a real mark on NFL history and even shaped American sports culture.
Book Your Dream Vacation Today
Flights | Hotels | Vacation Rentals | Rental Cars | Experiences
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
