Top 8 players with most kickoff return TDs in NFL history ft. Cordarrelle Patterson

The NFL is advertised as a game that is played in three separate phases to determine the outcome of each contest. Offense and defense are the two phases that often receive a large majority of credit and recognition for the way a game ultimately plays out. Special teams is the third phase, which can be equally as important as the others in any given NFL game.

Kickoff return touchdowns are one of the biggest game-changers that can occur during any contest. They completely alter the feel of a particular game, while being an extreme momentum builder as well. Some players have made a name for themselves by consistently pulling off this extremely difficult play.

Only eight kick returners in history have returned more than five kicks for a touchdown during their careers. This demonstrates how difficult it is to pull it off. Here's how those eight players stack up among the most kick return touchdowns in NFL history.

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#3 - 5 NFL players tied with 6 KR TDs

Hall of Famer Gale Sayers

Five players are tied with six kickoff return touchdowns each, the third-most in NFL history:

1. Gale Sayers
2. Dante Hall
3. Mel Gray
4. Ollie Matson
5. Travis Williams

This list includes two players who are current members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Gale Sayers and Ollie Matson. Sayers lasted just seven years in the league due to injuries but is considered one of the most dynamic players of all time. Successfully returning kicks for touchdowns was one of the many weapons in his arsenal.

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#2 - Josh Cribbs and Leon Washington - 8 KR TDs

Cleveland Browns KR Josh Cribbs

Josh Cribbs spent the first eight years of his career with the Cleveland Browns. This is where he recorded all eight of his kickoff return touchdowns. It all occurred during his first five seasons.

Leon Washington spent 10 seasons in the league with four different teams. He totaled eight kickoff return touchdowns, including three in a single season twice. He did so once with the New York Jets and again with the Seattle Seahawks.

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#1 - Cordarrelle Patterson - 9 KR TDs

Atlanta Falcons KR Cordarrelle Patterson

Cordarrelle Patterson entered the 2022-23 NFL season in a three-way tie for the most kickoff return touchdowns of all time. He broke that tie in Week 11 when he recorded one for the Atlanta Falcons against the Chicago Bears. His touchdowns helped the Falcons achieve a victory while cementing his name in the record books.