What does a punt returner do?
A punt returner (PR) has the job of catching the ball after it is punted and to give his team good field position (or a touchdown if possible) by returning it. Before catching the punted ball, the returner must assess the situation on the field while the ball is still in the air.
What is a return man?
a soldier who has served abroad. Also: (Austral) returned man.
Who is the best return man in NFL history?
Brian Mitchell
Leaders
| Rank | Player | RtY |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brian Mitchell | 19,013 |
| 2 | Allen Rossum | 15,003 |
| 3 | Josh Cribbs | 13,488 |
| 4 | Mel Gray | 13,003 |
Who is the best punt returner?
Best known as a dynamic WR for the Raiders, Tim Brown also returned a combined 375 kickoffs and punts in his 17 years as a pro. His best season was his first, recording 1,542 total return yards and one touchdown for the Raiders in 1988.
Can anyone return a punt?
A punt return is one of the receiving team’s options to respond to a punt. A player positioned about 35–45 yards from the line of scrimmage (usually a wide receiver or return specialist) will attempt to catch or pick up the ball after it is punted by the opposing team’s punter.
What makes a good punt returner?
A returner needs to possess a few traits: Be a fearless competitor and willing to catch a punt at or near full speed and continue his run forward. If the defense isn’t blocked, the collisions between a returner and a tackler can be extremely violent, leading to injuries and concussions.
What is the difference between a kick return and a punt return?
While kickoff returners need to follow their blockers, see the hole, and hit it, punt returners usually have to elude a tackler or two immediately. They cannot build up speed before they must cut left and right.
How do I return a punt?
You want to trap the ball in between your body and forearms, squeezing tight with your hands. Once the ball is secured, immediately shift your eyes to the oncoming defenders and begin to move up field. On a punt that is kicked directly overhead, open to the right or left at a 90-degree angle.
Who has the most punt return touchdowns?
The NFL’s All-Time Kick and Punt Return Touchdown Leaders
- Devin Hester | 20 TDs. Scott Cunningham/Getty Images.
- Brian Mitchell | 14 TDs. Damian Strohmeyer/SI.
- Dante Hall | 13 TDs. John Biever/SI.
- Eric Metcalf | 13 TDs. John Biever/SI.
- Josh Cribbs | 11 TDs.
- Desmond Howard | 10 TDs.
- Deion Sanders | 9 TDs.
- Ollie Matson | 9 TDs.
Who leads the NFL in punt return?
This is a list of National Football League punt returners who have led the regular season in punt return yards each year. The record for punt return yards in a season is currently held by Desmond Howard of the Green Bay Packers who had 875 yards in 1996.
Can you return a punt?
Return. A punt return is one of the receiving team’s options to respond to a punt. A player positioned about 35–45 yards from the line of scrimmage (usually a wide receiver or return specialist) will attempt to catch or pick up the ball after it is punted by the opposing team’s punter.
Can a punter return his own punt?
Yes, when punting the punter himself as well as any of his teammates have the option to catch the ball. Though when a punt is caught by the punting team they do not remain in possession of the ball.