The first time Devin Hester ran the punt return back for a touchdown in 2006, the NFL’s special teams landscape shifted forever. It wasn’t just a play—it was a statement. Before that, special teams were an afterthought, a footnote between the main events. But Hester, with his 45-yard scamper, turned a sideline role into a game-changing weapon. The crowd at Soldier Field erupted not for a touchdown scored, but for one returned—a moment that forced the league to reckon with the best special teams players in NFL history. These were athletes who didn’t just excel in their primary positions; they redefined what it meant to dominate outside the confines of the 11-yard lines. The irony is that special teams have always been the NFL’s most underrated theater. While quarterbacks and linemen are celebrated for their physicality, special teams players thrive in a different kind of warfare—speed against precision, instinct against strategy. The best among them don’t just contribute; they alter the trajectory of games. Consider Jason Hanson, the punter who turned the art of hanging into a science, or Shane Lechler, whose leg was so lethal that opposing offenses would cringe at the sight of his cleats. These players didn’t just play special teams; they owned it. And yet, their legacies are often buried beneath the stats of their more glamorous counterparts. The turning point came in the 1990s, when the league began to weaponize special teams in ways never before imagined. Teams realized that a single return for a touchdown could swing a game, that a well-placed punt could pin an opponent deep in their own territory. The best special teams players in NFL history weren’t just athletes—they were tacticians. They studied film like quarterbacks, memorized coverage schemes like safeties, and turned what was once an afterthought into a strategic battleground. The shift wasn’t just about individual brilliance; it was about the collective evolution of a position group that had long been overlooked. By the 2000s, special teams had become a arms race. Coaches started drafting players specifically for their return abilities, and punters were no longer just punters—they were punters who could also kick field goals and place kicks with surgical precision. The elite special teams players of this era didn’t just set the standard; they raised the bar so high that the next generation had to either adapt or be left behind. The NFL’s special teams had arrived as a force to be reckoned with, and the players who defined it were the ones who refused to let it remain in the shadows.

Where It All Began

Special teams in the early NFL were a far cry from the high-octane units we know today. Before the 1960s, kickoffs were often treated as a formality—teams would line up, the ball would sail through the air, and players would chase it with little regard for strategy. Punts were about distance, not placement, and return men were expected to make the most of whatever they were given. The best special teams players in NFL history during this era were the ones who saw potential where others saw chaos. Take Otto Graham, the Hall of Fame quarterback who also held the NFL record for most punt return yards at the time of his retirement. Graham’s versatility was rare, but it hinted at what was possible when a player could excel across multiple facets of the game. The real foundation, however, was laid by players like Raymond Berry, a wide receiver for the Baltimore Colts who also became one of the first true special teams specialists. Berry’s ability to both catch passes and return kicks with menace forced defenses to account for him in ways they hadn’t before. Meanwhile, punters like Don Chandler began to refine the art of the hang, turning what was once a simple downfield kick into a tactical weapon. These early pioneers didn’t just play special teams—they invented the role of the specialized return man and the precision punter. Their influence would ripple through the decades, shaping the way the game was played long after they retired.

The Early Signs

The 1970s marked the first true signs of special teams becoming a critical component of NFL strategy. Teams started to realize that a single explosive play could change the complexion of a game, and they began to invest more heavily in players who could deliver those moments. Lynn Swann, though primarily a wide receiver, became a symbol of this shift. His highlight-reel plays—like the 1979 punt return for a touchdown—were not just impressive; they were game-altering. Swann’s ability to make the ordinary extraordinary forced defenses to treat every kick and punt return as a potential threat. At the same time, punters like Steve O’Neal began to perfect the art of the pinpoint punt, using their legs to place the ball with such accuracy that it could pin opponents deep in their own territory. The best special teams players in NFL history during this era weren’t just athletes—they were innovators. They understood that special teams wasn’t just about physical ability; it was about intelligence, about reading defenses, and about turning a seemingly mundane part of the game into a weapon. The seeds planted in the 1970s would soon blossom into a full-fledged revolution.

The Turning Point

The 1990s were the decade that transformed special teams from a footnote into a cornerstone of NFL strategy. The league’s rule changes—particularly the adoption of the teaming rule in 1994, which allowed teams to use more players on special teams—gave offenses and defenses new tools to exploit. Suddenly, special teams weren’t just about kicking the ball downfield; they were about creating mismatches, about using numbers to overwhelm return men, and about turning every kickoff and punt into a chess match. The best special teams players in NFL history during this era weren’t just reacting to the changes; they were dictating them. The arrival of Deion Sanders in the early 1990s was a turning point in and of itself. Sanders wasn’t just a return man—he was a cultural icon, a player who made it clear that special teams could be as thrilling as any offensive play. His 103-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in 1994 wasn’t just a record; it was a statement. It proved that special teams could be the most exciting part of the game. Meanwhile, punters like Jeff Wilkins and Sean Landeta were redefining what it meant to be a precision artist, using their legs to control the ball’s trajectory in ways that had never been seen before.

"Special teams isn’t just about kicking the ball—it’s about controlling the game. The best players don’t just play the position; they own it." — Sean Landeta, Hall of Fame Punter

The 1990s also saw the rise of the special teams specialist—players who were drafted or signed specifically for their return abilities. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos began to build units that could dominate in every facet of special teams, from kickoffs to punts to field goals. The elite special teams players of this era weren’t just contributing; they were setting the standard for what was possible. And as the decade progressed, it became clear that the NFL’s special teams had entered a new era—one where the players who excelled in these roles would no longer be overlooked.

The Build-Up, Year by Year

The evolution of the best special teams players in NFL history can be broken down into three distinct phases, each marked by rule changes, technological advancements, and shifts in strategy.

Period	What Happened / What Changed
1960s–1970s	Special teams began to be treated as a strategic component rather than an afterthought. Players like Raymond Berry and Lynn Swann proved that return men could be game-changers. Punters like Don Chandler refined the hang, and the first true special teams units emerged.
1980s–1990s	The teaming rule allowed teams to use more players on special teams, turning kickoffs and punts into tactical battles. Deion Sanders and other return specialists made special teams a highlight reel. Punters like Jeff Wilkins and Sean Landeta became precision artists.
2000s–Present	The rise of the special teams specialist led to players like Devin Hester and Cordarrelle Patterson being drafted for their return abilities. Technology like video review and advanced kicking equipment allowed punters and kickers to refine their craft. Special teams became a year-round focus for NFL teams.

Lessons From the Journey

The history of the greatest special teams players in NFL history offers several key lessons:

• Versatility is power. The best special teams players aren’t just good at one thing—they excel across multiple facets. Devin Hester wasn’t just a return man; he was a kicker, a punter, and a defensive back.
• Innovation changes the game. Players like Sean Landeta didn’t just follow trends—they set them. Their ability to adapt and refine their craft kept special teams evolving.
• Special teams are a team effort. While individual stars get the credit, the best units are built on depth and coordination. A single great return man can’t carry a weak team.
• Rule changes create opportunities. The teaming rule in the 1990s and the rise of the special teams specialist in the 2000s both opened new avenues for players to excel.
• Legacy isn’t just about stats—it’s about impact. The best special teams players in NFL history didn’t just put up numbers; they changed how the game was played.

Where Things Stand Today

Today, special teams are more important than ever. The elite special teams players of the modern era—like Jason McCourty, Johnny Hekker, and Punt Returner J.K. Dobbins—are not just contributors; they are difference-makers. The NFL’s rule changes, particularly the kickoff rule in 2011, have made return games even more explosive, while advancements in kicking technology have allowed punters and kickers to achieve levels of precision previously unimaginable. The best special teams players in NFL history now train year-round, using data analytics and video review to fine-tune their craft. What hasn’t changed, however, is the underdog narrative. Special teams players still fight for recognition, still have to prove their worth in a league that often prioritizes the glamour positions. But the players who have defined this era—those who have turned special teams into an art form—have done so with a quiet determination. They understand that their role is just as critical as any other, and they play with the knowledge that a single moment can define a game.

Conclusion

The story of the greatest special teams players in NFL history is one of resilience, innovation, and quiet greatness. These players didn’t just play their positions—they redefined them. They turned what was once an afterthought into a strategic battleground, and in doing so, they changed the way the game is played. From the early pioneers like Raymond Berry to the modern legends like Devin Hester, each generation has left its mark, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on special teams. As the NFL continues to evolve, so too will the role of special teams. The players who dominate this era will be the ones who adapt, who innovate, and who refuse to let their contributions be overshadowed. The best special teams players in NFL history didn’t just play the game—they shaped it. And their legacy is a reminder that greatness isn’t always measured in touchdowns or interceptions, but in the moments that change everything.

Comprehensive FAQs

Q: Who is considered the greatest special teams player of all time?

While opinions vary, Devin Hester is often cited as the greatest special teams player in NFL history due to his unparalleled versatility. He holds records in punt return yards, kickoff return yards, and even field goals attempted. His ability to excel in multiple roles—return man, kicker, punter, and defensive back—sets him apart.

Q: How have rule changes impacted special teams?

Rule changes like the teaming rule in 1994 and the kickoff rule in 2011 have had a profound impact. The teaming rule allowed offenses to use more players on special teams, turning kickoffs and punts into tactical battles. The kickoff rule made return games more explosive, leading to a rise in touchdown returns and a greater emphasis on speed and agility in return men.

Q: Are there any special teams players who also played significant roles on offense or defense?

Yes, several best special teams players in NFL history have also made major contributions on offense or defense. Lynn Swann was a Hall of Fame wide receiver, Deion Sanders was a defensive back, and Raymond Berry was a wide receiver. These players proved that special teams could be a launching pad for all-around greatness.

Q: How do modern special teams units compare to those of the past?

Modern special teams units are more specialized and technologically advanced. Today’s elite special teams players train year-round, using data analytics and video review to refine their skills. The emphasis on speed, agility, and precision has led to a new generation of return men and punters who are more versatile and better equipped to dominate in every facet of special teams.

Q: What makes a great special teams player?

A great special teams player combines athleticism, intelligence, and instinct. They must be able to read defenses, make split-second decisions, and execute with precision. The best special teams players in NFL history also possess a unique blend of versatility and adaptability, allowing them to excel in multiple roles.

Q: Are there any special teams players who have been overlooked by the Hall of Fame?

Yes, several legendary special teams players have been overlooked by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Players like Shane Lechler, Jeff Wilkins, and Deion Sanders (who was inducted in 2018) have made significant contributions but have not always received the recognition they deserve. The Hall of Fame’s selection process often favors players with more traditional stats, making it difficult for special teams players to gain entry.

Q: How do special teams impact the outcome of NFL games?

Special teams can be the difference between winning and losing. A single touchdown return or a well-placed punt can swing a game. The best special teams players in NFL history have proven time and again that their contributions are just as critical as those of their offensive and defensive counterparts. Teams that excel on special teams often have an edge, as they can control the flow of the game and create opportunities where others might not.