Top 15 Special Teams Players in NFL History
These fifteen warriors, often in overlooked roles, shaped the field beneath the stars — one kick, one tackle, one sprint at a time.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Special teams, often called the “third phase” of football, can be the most unpredictable and decisive part of the game. These players built legacies not through touchdowns or tackles alone, but through moments that flipped momentum and defined championships. From bone-jarring hits to wind-splitting kicks, they earned greatness where few ever look — in the chaos and rhythm of the game’s smallest windows.
15. John Kasay (K)
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John Kasay wasn’t flashy, but he was clutch. With a career that spanned over two decades, he became one of the most consistent kickers in the NFL, especially during his years with the Carolina Panthers. His calm demeanor in pressure situations made him a fan favorite and a locker room leader.
14. Steve Tasker (ST/WR)
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If you ask die-hard Bills fans about the heart of their early ’90s teams, Steve Tasker always comes up. A seven-time Pro Bowler strictly for special teams, Tasker was a fierce gunner who changed the perception of what that role could mean. He hit like a linebacker and ran like a wideout — the ultimate blue-collar spark plug.
13. Brian Mitchell (KR/PR)
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Brian Mitchell wasn’t just a returner — he was a nightmare for kick coverage units. Ranking second all-time in all-purpose yards, he was a master at flipping field position, giving quarterbacks breathing room before they even took a snap. His longevity and durability remain unmatched among return specialists.
12. Josh Cribbs (KR/PR)
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Before Devin Hester took over the return game, Josh Cribbs was already setting it on fire in Cleveland. An undrafted quarterback turned All-Pro return man, Cribbs was fearless, unpredictable, and incredibly hard to bring down. His eight kickoff return touchdowns say everything about his impact.
11. Matthew Slater (ST)
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Matthew Slater is the modern blueprint for special teams excellence. A ten-time Pro Bowler and long-time Patriots captain, he embodies discipline, hustle, and selflessness. Rarely touching the ball, he earned legendary status purely through his coverage work and leadership.
10. Adam Vinatieri (K)
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You can’t write the story of the NFL without Adam Vinatieri’s clutch kicks. From snow-soaked game-tying field goals to multiple Super Bowl winners, he was the definition of reliable. His ice-cold nerves turned pressure into poetry.
9. Cordarrelle Patterson (KR/WR)
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Cordarrelle Patterson is a unicorn in the return game. With a mix of size, speed, and vision, he’s tied for the most kickoff return touchdowns in NFL history. Whenever he lines up deep, stadiums hold their breath.
8. Morten Andersen (K)
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Morten Andersen kicked his way through four decades and into the Hall of Fame. Known for his durability and power, he remains the all-time leading scorer for two separate franchises. His iconic single-bar helmet only added to the legend.
7. Patrick Mannelly (LS)
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Long snappers don’t get much attention, but Patrick Mannelly changed that with a 16-year career of perfect snaps. He played more games than anyone else in Bears history, anchoring the line with surgical precision. His reliability was so profound, coaches barely mentioned his name — a true compliment in his role.
6. Leon Washington (KR/PR)
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Leon Washington was a walking spark plug for every team he touched. With eight career return touchdowns, he made special teams a weapon rather than an afterthought. His fearlessness and ability to find daylight made him a game-changer.
5. David Tyree (ST/WR)
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Long before his helmet catch, David Tyree was a terror on special teams. In fact, his Pro Bowl nod came not from offense, but from his coverage skills. Every snap, he brought chaos and urgency — a relentless chaser of returners and momentum alike.
4. Darren Sproles (KR/PR/RB)
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Darren Sproles was one of the smallest guys on the field, but he played like a giant. His return game was electric, turning dead plays into highlight reels with his balance and burst. Add in his contributions as a third-down back, and you get one of the most versatile weapons the league has ever seen.
3. Ray Guy (P)
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Ray Guy made punting an art form. The first punter ever drafted in the first round, he hung balls so high they came down with frost on them. His directional skill and hang time redefined how special teams controlled field position.
2. Devin Hester (KR/PR)
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Devin Hester didn’t just return kicks — he returned hope. With 20 return touchdowns, he could swing a game’s momentum in the blink of an eye, and coaches literally changed game plans because of him. His 92-yard opening kick return in Super Bowl XLI is forever stitched into NFL lore.
1. Justin Tucker (K)
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Justin Tucker isn’t just the best kicker of this era — he’s the best of all time. With unmatched accuracy, range, and swagger, he has turned field goals into a science and an art. His 66-yard game-winner in Detroit was less a miracle and more a statement of inevitability.