Top 20 Series. There are many ways in which a player's success in the NFL is measured. One of the most obvious is a comparison of statistics. Each week during the NFL's regular season Profootballhof.com featured updated Top 20 lists for four main statistical categories.
Now, with the help from Elias Sports Bureau, we are rolling out our expanded season’s end lists so you can compare today’s stars with the greatest of all-time. | Return to Top 20 at the Start of 2012>>>
CAREER NOTES. Minnesota wide receiver/return man Percy Harvin reached the required 75 returns to enter the Top 20 following the 2011 season. Harvin's career average of 26.62 yards puts him in 12th place on the all-time list.
Season at a glance: 2011 LEADER: Joe McKnight, New York Jets (31.6 average - 34 returns for 1,073 yards)
SINGLE-SEASON NFL RECORD: Travis Williams, Green Bay Packers (41.06 average - 18 returns for 739 yards in 1967)
75+ CAREER RETURNS REQUIRED TO QUALIFY
Kick Return Average (at start of 2012 NFL Season)
| 1 | Gale Sayers* | 30,56 |
| 2 | Lynn Chandnois | 29,57 |
| 3 | Abe Woodson | 28,69 |
| 4 | Buddy Young | 27,93 |
| 5 | Travis Williams | 27,46 |
| 6 | Joe Arenas | 27,32 |
| 7 | Clifton Smith | 27,17 |
| 8 | Clarence Davis | 27,09 |
| 9 | Danieal Manning | 26,90 |
| 10 | Steve Van Buren* | 26,71 |
| 11 | Lenny Lyles | 26,68 |
| 12 | Percy Harvin | 26,62 |
| 13 | Mercury Morris | 26,55 |
| 14 | Ellis Hobbs | 26,52 |
| 15 | Bobby Jancik | 26,49 |
| 16 | Mel Renfro* | 26,42 |
| 17 | Bobby Mitchell* | 26,37 |
| 18 | Terrence McGee | 26,33 |
| 19 | Stefan Logan | 26,20 |
| 20 | Ollie Matson* | 26,20 |
* Pro Football Hall of Fame member
Italics - players active during 2011 season
Top 20 lists courtesy of Elias Sports Bureau