Top 20 - Punt Return Average

History Published on : 3/4/2012
There are many ways in which a player's success in the NFL is measured. One of the most obvious and easiest yardsticks to use are statistics. Each week during the NFL's regular season we've provided 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. Tomorrow: Top 20 Scoring (TDs)

Punt Return Average (at start of 2012 NFL Season)
1 Devin Hester 12.88  

Career Notes:
Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears is now the all-time leader in punt return average after his performance in 2011, Hester also set the NFL's all-time record for punt returns for touchdowns with 11.

Season at a glance:
2011 LEADER: Devin Hester, Chicago Bears (16.2 average - 28 returns for 454 yards, 2 TDs)

Single-Season NFL Record: Herb Rich, Baltimore Colts (23.0 average - 12 returns for 276 yards in 1950)

75+ PUNT RETURNS REQUIRED TO QUALIFY

* Pro Football Hall of Fame member
Italics - players active during 2011 season
Top 20 lists courtesy of Elias Sports Bureau
2 George McAfee* 12.78
3 Jack Christiansen* 12.75
4 Claude Gibson
12.55
5 Bill Dudley* 12.22
6 Rick Upchurch 12.13
7 Roscoe Parrish 12.01
8  Eddie Royal 11.94
9 Desmond Howard 11.86
10 Billy Johnson 11.76
11 Mack Herron 11.69
12 Bill Thompson 11.55
13 Darrien Gordon 11.47
14T Santana Moss 11.32
14T Henry Ellard 11.31
16 Rodger Bird 11.31
17 Bosh Pritchard 11.28
18 Ted Ginn  11.21
19T Terry Metcalf 11.14
19T Jermaine Lewis 11.13

 

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Top 20 - Touchdowns

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