Rewriting the Record Books: Longest Kickoff Returns in NFL History

Introduction to Electrifying Kickoff Returns

Nothing gets football fans on their feet quite like a high-octane kickoff return that changes the game’s momentum in just seconds. It’s one of the sport’s most exhilarating moments when a return specialist runs the entire field’s length, turning a game’s tide in a heartbeat. One such specialist, Devin Hester, made a career out of these adrenaline-pumping plays, scoring an NFL record 20 return touchdowns, resulting in his induction into the Hall of Fame. His resume includes 14 punt returns, five kickoff returns, and one missed field goal return during his 11 season career. Notably, Hester is the only player in history to return a Super Bowl’s opening kick for a touchdown, a feat he achieved during Super Bowl XLI in 2007 when he ran a 92-yard kickoff for a touchdown. However, even Hester’s impressive records don’t include the longest kickoff returns in NFL history. Let’s take a deeper look at these record-setting returns.

NFL Records: The Longest Kickoff Returns

Cordarrelle Patterson holds the longest kickoff return record with a 109-yard run for the Minnesota Vikings against Green Bay Packers on October 27, 2013. Other remarkable returns include David Johnson’s 108-yard return for the Arizona Cardinals against the Chicago Bears on September 20, 2015, and Jacoby Jones’ two 108-yard returns for the Baltimore Ravens in 2012 and 2014. The list also includes Knile Davis, Randall Cobb, and Ellis Hobbs, who all achieved 108-yard returns.

Other Notable Records

Josh Huff and Joe McKnight also deserve a mention for their 107-yard returns for the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets, respectively.

Unforgettable Super Bowl Kickoff Returns

Although Jacoby Jones had two 108-yard returns in the regular season, he also holds the record for the longest kickoff return in Super Bowl history. Jones opened the second half of Super Bowl XLVII with a 108-yard return against the San Francisco 49ers on February 3, 2013.

Record-Setting Punt Returns

The longest punt return in NFL history was achieved by Robert Bailey of the Los Angeles Rams. On October 23, 2024, Bailey accomplished a 103-yard punt return against the Saints.

Longest Missed Field Goal Returns

Jamal Agnew and Antonio Cromartie hold the record for the longest missed field goal return in NFL history, both achieving 109 yards. Agnew’s return was against the Cardinals on September 26, 2021, while Cromartie’s was against the Vikings on November 4, 2007.