Who Are the Top 10 White Special Team Players of All Time That Changed the Game Forever?
The top 10 white special team players of all time that have left an indelible mark on the NFL, demonstrating that special teams are not merely an afterthought. From Steve Tasker’s all-around versatility to Adam Vinatieri’s unforgettable clutch moments, these athletes redefined what’s possible on the field.
Bill Bates brought coverage artistry, while Pat McAfee added flair with his dynamic punting. With Jason Sehorn’s return magic and Jeff Feagles’ consistent precision, the list is only getting started. What sets these players apart and how have they influenced the games they’ve impacted so deeply? Fans may be surprised by the answers.
Table of Contents
#1. Steve Tasker
- Position: Special Teams Gunner/Wide Receiver
- Height/Weight: 5’9″ / 185 lbs
- Teams: Houston Oilers (1985-1986), Buffalo Bills (1986-1997)
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Steve Tasker is often lauded as one of the greatest special teams players in NFL history, specifically for his time with the Buffalo Bills. Known for his exceptional versatility, Tasker delivered game-changing performances as a gunner on punt and kickoff coverage teams.
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Despite his small stature, Tasker’s incredible speed, agility, and tenacity allowed him to disrupt opposing special teams units consistently.
Throughout his career, he was pivotal in turning the tide during significant games with his dynamic playmaking ability. Beyond special teams, Tasker also contributed as a wide receiver, cementing his legacy as a key component in the Bills’ four consecutive Super Bowl appearances.
- Accolades:
- 7x Pro Bowl selection (1987, 1990-1995)
- 5x First-team All-Pro (1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994)
- Pro Bowl MVP (1993)
- Named to the NFL’s All-Time Team of the 1990s
- Inducted into the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame
#2. Adam Vinatieri
- Position: Kicker
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 213 lbs
- Teams: New England Patriots, (1996-2005), Indianapolis Colts (2006-2019)
Adam Vinatieri is one of the most revered kickers in NFL history, best known for his time with the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts. His reputation for clutch performances, especially in high-stakes situations, has cemented his legacy.
Vinatieri’s defining moments include the game-winning kicks in Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVIII with the Patriots, earning him a reputation as icy under pressure.
His consistency and reliability extended his career into four decades, making him an enduring symbol of perseverance and excellence. Vinatieri’s playing style was marked by precise technique and mental toughness, often delivering when it mattered most.
- Accolades:
- 4× Super Bowl Champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLI)
- 3× First-team All-Pro
- NFL’s all-time leading scorer
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Pro Bowl Selections: 3 (2002, 2004, 2014)
#3. Bill Bates
- Position: Safety/Linebacker
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 205 lbs
- Teams: Dallas Cowboys (1983-1997)
Bill Bates became a Dallas Cowboys legend due to his tenacity and brilliant coverage skills on special teams. Known for his relentless pursuit and fearless tackling ability, Bates was a significant component in the Cowboys’ special teams unit throughout his 15-year career.
His hard-hitting style not only disrupted opponents’ return games but also inspired his teammates.
A beloved figure in Dallas, Bates was one of the few bright spots during the team’s difficult years in the 1980s and carried his exceptional performance into the Cowboys’ Super Bowl-winning teams of the 1990s. His consistency and dedication earned him immense respect throughout the league.
- Accolades:
- Three-time Super Bowl Champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
- First recipient of the NFL Special Teams Player of the Year award (1984)
- Pro Bowl selection (1984)
- Known for being a relentless and impactful player on special teams
#4. Pat McAfee
- Position: Punter
- Height/Weight: 6’1″ / 233 lbs
- Teams: Indianapolis Colts (2009-2016)
Pat McAfee transformed the art of punting with his dynamic style and charismatic flair during his tenure with the Indianapolis Colts. Known for his powerful leg and exceptional control, McAfee could pin opponents deep within their territory, which was vital in shifting field position to the Colts’ advantage.
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His versatility extended beyond punting, as he adeptly handled kickoff duties and delivered key special teams tackles. McAfee’s infectious enthusiasm and unique approach to the game made him a fan favorite, solidifying his legacy as one of the NFL’s top punters of his era.
- Accolades:
- 2× Pro Bowl Selection (2014, 2016)
- 1× First-Team All-Pro (2014)
- Colts All-Decade Team (2010s)
- Over 26,000 punting yards
- Averaged over 46 yards per punt in career
#5. Jason Sehorn
- Position: Cornerback, Special Teams
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 213 lbs
- Teams: New York Giants (1994-2002), St. Louis Rams (2003)
Jason Sehorn, renowned as one of the few famously successful white cornerbacks, made a significant return to the NFL’s special teams with the New York Giants. Known for his exceptional speed and athleticism, Sehorn brought an unusual level of intensity to special teams, often disrupting opponents’ kick return strategies.
His razor-sharp instincts allowed him to excel in coverage situations, and he returned kicks with an almost reckless abandon that was both exhilarating and effective. Sehorn’s ability to change the momentum of special teams play left a lasting impact, cementing his legacy as a player who defied expectations at his position.
- Accolades:
- NFC Champion with the Giants (2000)
- Recorded 458 tackles and 19 interceptions in career
- Known for a pivotal 32-yard interception return for a touchdown in the 2000 NFC Championship Game
#6. David Akers
- Position: Kicker
- Height/Weight: 5’10″/200 lbs
- Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (1999-2004, 2009-2010), San Francisco 49ers (2011-2012)
David Akers, a game-changer on special teams, significantly made a mark with the Philadelphia Eagles and later with the San Francisco 49ers. Renowned for his considerable leg strength and precision, Akers consistently provided his team with an edge during field goal attempts and essential moments.
One of his standout achievements was setting an NFL record for most points scored by a kicker in a single postseason. Akers’ consistency and ability to perform under pressure left a lasting impact, making him one of the most reliable kickers of his era.
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- Accolades:
- 6× Pro Bowl selection
- 2× All-Pro selection
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team
- Set NFL record for most points in a single postseason (2008)
- Former holder of the longest field goal in 49ers history (63 yards in 2012)
#7. Jeff Feagles
- Position: Punter
- Height/Weight: 6’1″ / 215 lbs
- Teams: New England Patriots (1988-1989), Philadelphia Eagles (1990-1993), Arizona Cardinals (1994-1997), Seattle Seahawks (1998-2002), New York Giants (2003–2009)
Jeff Feagles will always be remembered for his punting precision during his tenure with the New York Giants. Known for his ability to consistently place punts within the 20-yard line, his expertise in controlling field position played a crucial role during his time with the team.
His style was less about power and more about finesse and tactical acumen, which complemented the Giants’ strategic gameplay.
Feagles was instrumental in the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII victory, as his consistent punting kept opposing offenses in check. Jeff’s methodical approach left an indelible mark on special teams play.
- Accolades:
- 2× Pro Bowl selection
- Super Bowl XLII Champion
- NFL record for most consecutive games played
- Known for most career punts and punting yards in NFL history at retirement
#8. Wayne Chrebet
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Height/Weight: 5’10”, 188 lbs
- Teams: New York Jets (1995–2005)
Wayne Chrebet, celebrated for his resilience and clutch performances, was a vital part of the New York Jets‘ special teams and receiving squad. As an undersized and undrafted player, Chrebet maximized his grit and determination to make a significant impact on the field.
Known for his ability to make critical third-down catches, his routes were precise, and he possessed an uncanny ability to make plays in traffic. Chrebet’s fearless style won the hearts of Jets fans, and he became a symbol of perseverance during his ten years with the team, leaving a lasting legacy as a dependable and dedicated player.
- Accolades:
- Inducted into the New York Jets Ring of Honor (2014)
- Accumulated over 7,300 receiving yards and 41 touchdowns in his career
- Known for 580 receptions during his NFL tenure
#9. Morten Andersen
- Position: Placekicker
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 218 lbs
- Teams: New Orleans Saints (1982–1994), Atlanta Falcons (1995–2000), New York Giants (2001), Kansas City Chiefs (2002-2003), Minnesota Vikings (2004-2005), Atlanta Falcons (2006–2007)
Morten Andersen, known as “The Great Dane,” was a celebrated placekicker in the NFL, renowned for his longevity and precision. Playing a pivotal role in special teams, he exhibited a calm and focused demeanor under pressure, often delivering in clutch situations. His iconic scoring prowess was highlighted by his game-winning field goals and consistent performance, which kept his team in contention numerous times.
Andersen’s technique and commitment made him a staple figure in the NFL, ultimately setting the record for career points scored. His remarkable career cemented his status as one of the greatest kickers in football history.
- Accolades:
- NFL’s All-Time Leading Scorer upon retirement
- Seven Pro Bowl selections
- NFL Hall of Fame Inductee (2017)
- Two-time All-Decade Team honoree
#10. Tim Dwight
- Position: Wide Receiver / Return Specialist
- Height/Weight: 5’8″ / 185 lbs
- Teams: 1998-2000 (Atlanta Falcons), 2001-2004 (San Diego Chargers), 2005 (New England Patriots), 2006 (New York Jets), 2007 (Oakland Raiders)
Tim Dwight was known for his electrifying speed and playmaking ability as a return specialist and wide receiver. Despite his modest stature, Dwight left a significant impact on special teams, especially during his tenure with the Atlanta Falcons and San Diego Chargers.
His explosive kick and punt returns often shifted momentum, turning games in favor of his team.
A memorable moment in his career was his 94-yard kickoff return touchdown in Super Bowl XXXIII with the Falcons. Dwight’s legacy is solidified by his fearless playing style and knack for delivering when it mattered most.
- Accolades:
- Super Bowl XXXIII Kickoff Return Touchdown (1999)
- All-American honors in college as a track athlete
- Known as one of the fastest players in the NFL during his career
