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. Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears is now the all-time leader in punt return average after his performance during the 2011 season. Hester also set the NFL's all-time record for punt returns for touchdowns in a career 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
Punt Return Average (at start of 2012 NFL Season)
| 1 | Devin Hester | 12.88 |
| 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 |
| 11 | Billy Johnson | 11.76 |
| 12 | Mack Herron | 11.69 |
| 13 | Bill Thompson | 11.55 |
| 14 | Darrien Gordon | 11.47 |
| 15 | Santana Moss | 11.32 |
| 16 | Henry Ellard | 11.31 |
| 17 | Rodger Bird | 11.31 |
| 18 | Bosh Pritchard | 11.28 |
| 19 | Ted Ginn | 11.21 |
| 19 | Terry Metcalf | 11.14 |
| 20 | Bob Hayes* | 11.13 |
* Pro Football Hall of Fame member
Italics - players active during 2011 season
Top 20 lists courtesy of Elias Sports Bureau