Exploring the Thrill of Long Kickoff Returns in NFL

A sudden long kick return can electrify the stadium and change the dynamics of a football game in an instant. It is one of the most captivating moments in the sport, when a return specialist effortlessly maneuvers a kickoff across the entire field, reducing a deficit in a heartbeat.

One such player is Devin Hester, who etched his name in the Hall of Fame predominantly as a return specialist. In his impressive 11-season career, he attained an NFL record of 20 return touchdowns, comprising 14 punt, five kickoff, and one missed field goal. Hester stands alone as the only player to return the initial kick of a Super Bowl for a touchdown, commencing Super Bowl XLI in 2007 with a staggering 92-yard kickoff return. Despite Hester’s remarkable feats, they do not feature among the lengthiest in NFL history. Let’s delve into the longest kickoff returns the NFL has ever witnessed.

Unveiling the Longest Kickoff Returns in NFL History

109 Yards

Cordarrelle Patterson of the Minnesota Vikings made this record-breaking return on Oct. 27, 2013, against the Green Bay Packers.

108 Yards

The players who achieved this feat are:
– David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals – Sept. 20, 2015, against the Chicago Bears
– Jacoby Jones, Baltimore Ravens – Twice; Oct. 14, 2012, against the Dallas Cowboys and Nov. 2, 2014, against the Pittsburgh Steelers
– Knile Davis, Kansas City Chiefs – Dec. 1, 2013, against the Denver Broncos
– Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers – Sept. 8, 2011, against the New Orleans Saints
– Ellis Hobbs, New England Patriots – Sept. 9, 2007, against the New York Jets

107 Yards

Josh Huff, Philadelphia Eagles – Nov. 23, 2014, against the Tennessee Titans
Joe McKnight, New York Jets – Oct. 2, 2011, against the Baltimore Ravens

Record-Breaking Returns in Super Bowl History

Jacoby Jones not only boasts two 108-yard kickoff returns in the regular season, but he also opened the second half of Super Bowl XLVII with a 108-yard return against the San Francisco 49ers on Feb. 3, 2013. This record-setting feat earns Jones the title of the longest kickoff return in Super Bowl history.

Longest Punt Return in NFL History

On Oct. 23, 2024, Robert Bailey, a defensive back for the Los Angeles Rams, made a record-breaking 103-yard punt return against the Saints. This return remains the longest punt return in NFL history.

Longest Missed Field Goal Return in NFL History

Jamal Agnew and Antonio Cromartie jointly hold the record for the longest missed field goal return in NFL history, at 109 yards. Agnew achieved this against the Cardinals on Sept. 26, 2021, while Cromartie achieved his against the Vikings on Nov. 4, 2007.

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