Top 10 White Kick Returners of All Time: Big Plays, Gutsy Runs, and Momentum Shifters
The Top 10 White Kick Returners of All Time are the guys who made you hold your breath every time the ball was in the air. Kick returning isn’t just about speed—it’s about having the guts to take a hit, the vision to see the seam, and the ability to flip the field in one play. That’s what these guys brought to the game.
Take Danny Amendola—he could read the field like a Dr. Seuss book, quick and easy, turning broken plays into game-breakers. And Tim Dwight? That guy was like a rocket—you blink, and he’s already 40 yards downfield. These players didn’t just rack up yards—they changed momentum, and in football, that’s everything.
This list celebrates the guys who earned their spots in the highlight reels, making special teams special with every snap. Boom! Let’s get to it.
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Table of Contents
1. Tim Dwight
Position: Wide Receiver / Kick Returner
Height/Weight: 5’8”, 185 lbs
Teams: Atlanta Falcons (1998–2000), San Diego Chargers (2001–2004), New England Patriots (2005), New York Jets (2006), Oakland Raiders (2007)
Tim Dwight was known for his blazing speed and fearless returns. He made an immediate impact as a rookie with the Falcons, returning a kickoff for a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXIII. Dwight’s quickness and agility made him one of the most dangerous return men of his era.
He amassed over 7,000 return yards in his career, including five return touchdowns. His ability to change the game’s momentum with a single return was unmatched. Dwight was not just a returner; he also contributed as a receiver, showcasing his versatility.
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Accolades:
- NFL All-Rookie Team (1998)
- Returned a kickoff for a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXIII
- 5 career return touchdowns
2. Steve Tasker
Position: Wide Receiver / Special Teams
Height/Weight: 5’9”, 183 lbs
Teams: Houston Oilers (1985–1986), Buffalo Bills (1986–1997)
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Steve Tasker is widely regarded as one of the best special teams players in NFL history. His excellence on special teams earned him seven Pro Bowl selections. Tasker was a key contributor to the Buffalo Bills teams that made four consecutive Super Bowl appearances.
While not always the primary returner, Tasker’s impact was felt in coverage and return units. His high football IQ and relentless effort made him a fan favorite. Tasker’s versatility and dedication set the standard for special teams play.
Accolades:
- 7× Pro Bowler (1987, 1990–1995)
- 5× First-Team All-Pro (1987, 1990–1993)
- Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame
3. Wes Welker
Position: Wide Receiver / Punt Returner
Height/Weight: 5’9”, 185 lbs
Teams: San Diego Chargers (2004), Miami Dolphins (2004–2006), New England Patriots (2007–2012), Denver Broncos (2013–2014), St. Louis Rams (2015)
Wes Welker made his mark as both a receiver and a return specialist. His quickness and sure hands made him an elite punt returner early in his career. Welker led the league in all-purpose yards in 2005, showcasing his versatility.
As a punt returner, he totaled over 1,700 yards and returned two punts for touchdowns. His reliability and vision on returns gave his teams excellent field position. Welker’s success paved the way for smaller receivers and returners in the NFL.
Accolades:
- 5× Pro Bowler (2008–2012)
- 2× First-Team All-Pro (2009, 2011)
- NFL receptions leader (2007, 2009, 2011)
- New England Patriots All-2010s Team
4. Julian Edelman
Position: Wide Receiver / Punt Returner
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 198 lbs
Teams: New England Patriots (2009–2020)
Julian Edelman was a dynamic playmaker for the Patriots, known for his clutch performances. As a punt returner, he was always a threat to take it to the house. Edelman ranks among the Patriots’ all-time leaders in punt return yards.
He returned four punts for touchdowns in his career. His ability to make big plays in crucial moments made him invaluable. Edelman’s contributions on special teams complemented his success as a receiver and Super Bowl MVP.
Accolades:
- Super Bowl LIII MVP
- 3× Super Bowl Champion (XLIX, LI, LIII)
- 4 career punt return touchdowns
- New England Patriots All-2010s Team
5. Danny Amendola
Position: Wide Receiver / Punt Returner
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 190 lbs
Teams: St. Louis Rams (2009–2012), New England Patriots (2013–2017), Miami Dolphins (2018), Detroit Lions (2019–2020), Houston Texans (2021)
Danny Amendola made his name as a reliable receiver and punt returner. His sure-handed catches and elusive returns helped his teams in key situations. Amendola was especially effective during his time with the Patriots.
He accumulated over 1,000 punt return yards and had a punt return touchdown. Amendola’s toughness and clutch performances were instrumental in multiple playoff runs. His versatility made him a valuable asset on any team.
Accolades:
- 2× Super Bowl Champion (XLIX, LI)
- NFL Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 1, 2015)
- Patriots’ Ed Block Courage Award (2017)
6. Don Beebe
Position: Wide Receiver / Kick Returner
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 185 lbs
Teams: Buffalo Bills (1989–1994), Carolina Panthers (1995), Green Bay Packers (1996–1997)
Don Beebe was known for his incredible speed and hustle plays. He became famous for never giving up on a play, exemplified by his Super Bowl XXVII rundown of Leon Lett. Beebe contributed as a kick returner early in his career.
His quickness made him a threat on special teams. Beebe’s determination and effort were hallmarks of his playing style, inspiring teammates and fans alike.
Accolades:
- Super Bowl Champion (XXXI)
- 6 Super Bowl appearances
- NFL Fastest Man Competition winner
7. Ryan Switzer
Position: Wide Receiver / Punt Returner
Height/Weight: 5’8”, 185 lbs
Teams: Dallas Cowboys (2017), Oakland Raiders (2018), Pittsburgh Steelers (2018–2020)
Ryan Switzer was known for his quickness and sharp field vision, which made him a reliable punt returner. As a rookie with the Cowboys, he returned a punt for a 83-yard touchdown, showcasing his explosiveness. Switzer’s ability to gain solid yardage on returns gave his offenses consistent field position.
Throughout his career, he totaled over 1,000 punt return yards, proving his consistency and durability. Switzer’s speed and agility made him a valuable asset on special teams. While his career was brief, his impact on returns was undeniable.
Accolades:
- NFL All-Rookie Team (2017)
- 83-yard punt return touchdown in rookie season
- 1,000+ career punt return yards
8. Cole Beasley
Position: Wide Receiver / Punt Returner
Height/Weight: 5’8”, 174 lbs
Teams: Dallas Cowboys (2012–2018), Buffalo Bills (2019–2021, 2022), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2022)
Cole Beasley became known for his sharp route-running and reliability as a receiver, but his early career included contributions on special teams. His quickness and elusiveness made him a solid option for punt returns, particularly during his time with the Dallas Cowboys. Beasley wasn’t a primary returner for most of his career but provided consistent field position when called upon.
Beasley totaled over 350 punt return yards in his career and showcased his ability to make defenders miss in open space. His hands and decision-making made him a trusted player in the return game, especially in tight situations. While his impact was greater as a receiver, Beasley’s versatility was invaluable.
Accolades:
- Over 5,700 career receiving yards
- 34 career touchdowns
- Key contributor in playoff runs with Dallas and Buffalo
9. Jeff Janis
Position: Wide Receiver / Kick Returner
Height/Weight: 6’3”, 219 lbs
Teams: Green Bay Packers (2014–2017), Cleveland Browns (2018)
Jeff Janis made his mark on special teams with the Packers. His size and speed made him effective in coverage and returns. Janis had a memorable playoff performance against the Cardinals, showcasing his big-play ability.
While not accumulating huge return stats, his impact in key moments earns him a spot on this list. Janis was a reliable special teams contributor throughout his career.
Accolades:
- NFC Championship appearance (2016)
- Notable playoff performances
- Special teams standout
10. Jordan Shipley
Position: Wide Receiver / Punt Returner
Height/Weight: 6’0”, 190 lbs
Teams: Cincinnati Bengals (2010–2011), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012), Jacksonville Jaguars (2012)
Jordan Shipley made a name for himself in college at Texas before taking his talents to the NFL. Known for his sharp football IQ and hands, Shipley excelled as a punt returner during his brief professional career. His rookie season with the Bengals showcased his potential, as he provided key returns and became a reliable slot receiver.
Shipley totaled over 700 punt return yards in his NFL career, with his best performances coming in 2010. His vision and ability to find seams in coverage made him a dangerous returner, even if his NFL career was cut short due to injuries. Shipley’s versatility as both a returner and receiver left a lasting impression.
Accolades:
- All-Big 12 honors in college at Texas
- NFL All-Rookie Team (2010)
- Over 1,000 career receiving yards
