Why It's Better to Be a Good Returner Than a Great Returner

While it might seem ridiculous, it really is better to be just a good special teams returner, than a great one. But how can this possibly be true? Well let me start by saying that a special teams returner is the only position that can practically be completely taken out of the game by the other team. The two greatest kick returners in my mind are Dante Hall and Devin Hester. As I was watching the top 10 kick returners of all-time, on the NFL network, I was surprised to see Dante Hall at number 10. According to the NFL Network, Dante Hall was number 10 because his career as a great returner was so short. However, how can a man who is tied for second all-time in return touchdowns be number 10? Dante Hall's 12 regular season return touchdowns (13 including postseason) are the second most all-time. However, nine of these came in a three year period from 02-04. It seemed as though, especially early in the 03 season when Dante Hall had four straight return touchdowns, and was even the front ... (link)