The Greatest NFL Punters of All Time
The greatest NFL punters of all time are those best at the punting position yet get some of the least recognition of all football player positions. These talented punters hold numerous NFL punting records, are the best to ever punt in the history of professional football and have made big plays when their team needed it the most yet not a one of these stars have found their way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Ray Guy is a great example of a player who should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Guy topped 44,000 punting yards over his career between 1,000 punts Jeff Feagles, who punted for an all-time best 1,713 punts over 12 seasons to lead all others in NFL history with 71,211 yards.
Moving into modern punting leaders, Shane Lechler, Nick Harris, Brian Moorman, Thomas Morstead and Bryan Anger are all among the elite. They also happen to make up the yards per punt all-time leaders with Anger at the top with an average of 47.8 yards per punt so far in his young career.
Who's the best punter in NFL? So even though these men with the golden feet may never get the recognition that other stars get, they are still the best to ever do what they did and for that they should be respected. Vote for the punters you think are the all time best below, add any not listed or re-rank this list of the best NFL punters ever. When you're done, go vote for the best NFL linebackers ever and the greatest NFL tight ends of all time.
- 1Indianapolis Colts
Pat McAfee, a two-time Pro Bowler known for his incredible leg strength and pinpoint accuracy, was a game changer during his time in the NFL. His ability to pin opponents inside their own 20-yard line and produce booming kicks that changed field position made him a nightmare for return teams. McAfee's infectious personality and entertaining antics both on and off the field further solidified his place as one of the most memorable punters in league history.
- 2
Ray Guy
Oakland RaidersWidely regarded as the greatest punter of all time, Ray Guy revolutionized the position with his unmatched combination of distance and hang time. The first punter ever inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Guy's influence on the game can still be felt today as punters strive to match his legendary consistency and ability to flip the field. His exceptional skills truly set the gold standard by which all other NFL punters will forever be measured.
- 3
Shane Lechler
Oakland Raiders, Houston TexansShane Lechler, a prolific punter whose career spanned nearly two decades, consistently delivered booming kicks that left opponents with unfavorable field position. His uncanny ability to drop punts inside opponents' 10-yard line set a standard few have been able to match. Lechler's lasting legacy as one of the best punters in NFL history is indisputable, with a style of play that was both effective and awe-inspiring.
- 4Carolina Panthers
Johnny Hekker's unique blend of power, accuracy, and versatility has firmly established him as one of the most innovative and effective punters in the NFL today. In addition to his booming punts, Hekker's ability to execute successful fake punts as a passer and runner makes him a legitimate offensive weapon. His undeniable impact on the game has solidified his reputation as a game-changing punter who consistently alters the course of contests with his exceptional skills.
- 5
Reggie Roby
Reggie Roby's powerful leg and unorthodox style caught the attention of fans and opponents alike during his storied 16-year career. Known for his high, soaring punts that seemed to hang in the air for an eternity, Roby consistently put his team in a favorable position with his remarkable ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory. His groundbreaking performance as one of the first African-American punters in the NFL paved the way for generations to come.
- 6Kansas City Chiefs
Dustin Colquitt, part of the famed Colquitt punting family, has been a consistent force in the NFL thanks to his exceptional accuracy and impressive leg strength. With a penchant for pinning opponents inside their own 20-yard line, Colquitt's style of play has been vital to his team's success throughout his career. The impact of his consistency and precision will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
