The Top 10 Greatest NFL Punters of All-Time

By Jason Bolton January 07, 2024 22:20

When it comes to the game of football, most people focus on the quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. However, there is one position that often goes unnoticed and underappreciated - the punter. Punters play a crucial role in the game, flipping field position and giving their team an advantage. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 greatest NFL punters of all time.

1. Ray Guy

Ray Guy is widely regarded as the best punter in NFL history. He played for the Oakland Raiders from 1973 to 1986 and was known for his booming kicks and incredible hang time. Guy was a seven-time Pro Bowler and was the first punter ever to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.

2. Shane Lechler

Shane Lechler is considered one of the most consistent and powerful punters in NFL history. He spent most of his career with the Oakland Raiders and later played for the Houston Texans. Lechler was a seven-time Pro Bowler and holds the record for the highest career average yards per punt.

3. Johnny Hekker

Johnny Hekker has made a name for himself as one of the most accurate punters in NFL history. He has spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Rams and has been named to the Pro Bowl six times. Hekker is known for his ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory with precision kicks.

4. Reggie Roby

Reggie Roby was known for his incredible leg strength and ability to consistently launch booming punts. He played for the Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers during his career. Roby was a three-time Pro Bowler and is often regarded as one of the best punters of his era.

5. Sammy Baugh

Sammy Baugh is considered one of the greatest all-around players in NFL history. While he is known for his quarterback skills, Baugh was also an exceptional punter. He played for the Washington Redskins from 1937 to 1952 and led the league in punting average five times.

6. Thomas Morstead

Thomas Morstead has established himself as one of the most consistent punters in the NFL. He has spent his entire career with the New Orleans Saints and has been named to the Pro Bowl once. Morstead is known for his accuracy and ability to control the direction and distance of his punts.

7. Dave Jennings

Dave Jennings played for the New York Giants and New York Jets during his career and was known for his versatility as both a punter and a placekicker. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and was known for his ability to consistently pin opponents deep in their own territory.

8. Jerrel Wilson

Jerrel Wilson played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1963 to 1977 and is regarded as one of the best punters of his era. He was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times and was known for his powerful leg and ability to consistently flip field position.

9. Brian Moorman

Brian Moorman played for the Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys during his career and was known for his booming kicks and ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and is widely regarded as one of the best punters of his generation.

10. Darren Bennett

Darren Bennett is known for revolutionizing the punting game in the NFL. He was the first Australian-born punter to find success in the league and is credited with popularizing the "Aussie-style" punt. Bennett played for the San Diego Chargers and Minnesota Vikings and was a two-time Pro Bowler.

While punters may not always receive the same recognition as other positions in football, their impact on the game cannot be understated. The top 10 greatest NFL punters of all time have all left their mark on the sport, whether it be through their booming kicks, accuracy, or ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory. These players have showcased the importance of the punting position and have contributed greatly to the success of their respective teams.