The Thrill of the Return: Exploring the NFL’s Longest Kickoff Returns
There’s nothing quite like the rush of adrenaline that comes with a long kickoff return in football. In the blink of an eye, a single play can flip the script on a game, erasing deficits and igniting the crowd. One legendary return specialist, Devin Hester, built a Hall of Fame career on the back of his electrifying returns, racking up an NFL-record 20 return touchdowns over 11 seasons.
While Hester’s achievements are the stuff of legend, his returns don’t hold the top spot in terms of distance. So, who holds the record for the longest kickoff returns in NFL history? Let’s take a look:
• 109 yards: Cordarrelle Patterson, Minnesota Vikings – Oct. 27, 2013 vs. Green Bay Packers
• 108 yards: David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals – Sept. 20, 2015 at Chicago Bears
• 108 yards: Jacoby Jones (twice), Baltimore Ravens – Oct. 14, 2012 vs. Dallas Cowboys and Nov. 2, 2014 at Pittsburgh Steelers
• 108 yards: Knile Davis, Kansas City Chiefs – Dec. 1, 2013 vs. Denver Broncos
• 108 yards: Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers – Sept. 8, 2011 vs. New Orleans Saints
• 108 yards: Ellis Hobbs, New England Patriots – Sept. 9, 2007 at New York Jets
• 107 yards: Josh Huff, Philadelphia Eagles – Nov. 23, 2014 vs. Tennessee Titans
• 107 yards: Joe McKnight, New York Jets – Oct. 2, 2011 at Baltimore Ravens
But what about the biggest stage of them all – the Super Bowl? Jacoby Jones holds the record for the longest kickoff return in Super Bowl history, taking one 108 yards to the house to open the second half of Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers on Feb. 3, 2013.
Beyond kickoff returns, there are other thrilling plays that can swing the momentum of a game. The longest punt return in NFL history belongs to Robert Bailey, who took one 103 yards to the end zone against the Saints on Oct. 23, 2024. Meanwhile, Jamal Agnew and Antonio Cromartie are tied for the longest missed field goal return in NFL history, each racing 109 yards for a score.
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