List of NFL career punting yards leaders

Last updated

Andy Lee, third all-time in punting yards, punting for the San Francisco 49ers in 2012. Andy Lee - San Francisco vs Green Bay 2012.jpg
Andy Lee, third all-time in punting yards, punting for the San Francisco 49ers in 2012.

In American football, a punt is a kick that is performed after a player (most often a punter) drops the ball from their hands and kicks it prior to it hitting the ground. Record keeping for punting yards in the National Football League (NFL) goes as far back as 1939.

Contents

To be eligible for career-long rankings, a player must have a minimum of 250 punts. [1] Although he never led the league in punting yards for a single-season, Jeff Feagles' longevity propelled him to become the career punting yards leader, with 71,211. [2] Feagles is the only punter to eclipse 70,000 career punting yards, and only three other punters have surpassed the 60,000 mark. He also set the career record for total punts in 2005, when he recorded his 1,368th, surpassing Sean Landeta. [3] He later retired with 1,713 career punts, still the NFL record. [2] [4]

With 1,168 punts and 52,868 punting yards for the Baltimore Ravens, Sam Koch has the most of both statistics for any individual franchise. Ranked 7th all-time in career punting yards, Koch is also the highest-ranked punter to have spent his entire career with a single team. The Kansas City Chiefs are the only other franchise to have a player punt for over 50,000 yards during their tenure with the team.

Shane Lechler, who ranks second to Feagles in both total punts and punting yards, is the NFL's all-time leader in yards per punt (47.6). [5] Lechler is also the only punter to lead two different franchises (the Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans) in career punting yards.

Net yards per punt, or net average, as opposed to a player's gross average, is considered a more revealing indicator of a punter's performance. [6] This is due to the net average taking into account return yardage or a touchback on the punt which are subtracted from the gross punting yards, or how far the ball travels on a punt. [6] Logan Cooke holds the record for career net average (43.1), although Tommy Davis holds the unofficial record (44.5), [7] having played prior to 1976, when the statistic began being officially tracked. [6]

Career punting yards leaders

Key
^Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
*Denotes player who is still active
RankPlayerTeam(s) by seasonPuntsYardsAverage
1 Jeff Feagles New England Patriots (19881989)
Philadelphia Eagles (19901993)
Arizona Cardinals (19941997)
Seattle Seahawks (19982002)
New York Giants (20032009)
1,71371,21141.6
2 Shane Lechler Oakland Raiders (20002012)
Houston Texans (20132017)
1,44468,67647.6
3 Andy Lee San Francisco 49ers (20042014)
Cleveland Browns (2015)
Carolina Panthers (2016)
Arizona Cardinals (20172022)
1,46668,40546.7
4 Sean Landeta New York Giants (19851993)
Los Angeles / St. Louis Rams (19931996, 20032004)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1997)
Green Bay Packers (1998)
Philadelphia Eagles (19992002, 2005)
1,40160,70743.3
5 Brad Maynard New York Giants (19972000)
Chicago Bears (20012010)
Cleveland Browns (2011)
1,33956,02141.8
6 Dustin Colquitt Kansas City Chiefs (20052019)
Pittsburgh Steelers (2020)
Jacksonville Jaguars (2020)
Atlanta Falcons (2021)
Cleveland Browns (2021)
1,19853,66044.8
7 Sam Koch Baltimore Ravens (20062021)1,16852,86845.3
8 Donnie Jones Seattle Seahawks (2004)
Miami Dolphins (20052006)
St. Louis Rams (20072011)
Houston Texans (2012)
Philadelphia Eagles (20132017)
Los Angeles Chargers (2018)
1,15752,49045.4
9 Lee Johnson Houston Oilers (19851987)
Cleveland Browns (19871988)
Cincinnati Bengals (19881998)
New England Patriots (19992001)
Minnesota Vikings (2001)
Philadelphia Eagles (2002)
1,22651,97942.4
10 Chris Gardocki Chicago Bears (19911994)
Indianapolis Colts (19951998)
Cleveland Browns (19992003)
Pittsburgh Steelers (20042006)
1,17750,33642.8
11 Rohn Stark Baltimore Colts (19821983)
Indianapolis Colts (19841994)
Pittsburgh Steelers (1995)
Carolina Panthers (1996)
Seattle Seahawks (1997)
1,14149,47143.4
12 Craig Hentrich Green Bay Packers (19941997)
Tennessee Oilers / Titans (19992009)
1,15049,28142.9
13 Matt Turk Washington Redskins (19951999)
Miami Dolphins (20002001, 20032005)
New York Jets (2002)
St. Louis Rams (2006)
Houston Texans (20072011)
Jacksonville Jaguars (2011)
1,14348,41442.4
14 Bryan Barker Kansas City Chiefs (19901993)
Philadelphia Eagles (1994)
Jacksonville Jaguars (19952000)
Washington Redskins (20012003)
Green Bay Packers (2004)
St. Louis Rams (2005)
1,13247,64142.1
15 Dave Jennings New York Giants (19741984)
New York Jets (19851987)
1,15447,56741.2
16 Mark Royals Philadelphia Eagles (1987)
St. Louis Cardinals (1987)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (19901991, 19992001)
Pittsburgh Steelers (19921994)
Detroit Lions (19951996)
New Orleans Saints (19971998)
Miami Dolphins (20022003)
Jacksonville Jaguars (2003)
1,11647,02142.1
17 Chris Mohr Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1989)
Buffalo Bills (19912000)
Atlanta Falcons (20012004)
1,15246,57040.4
18 Jerrel Wilson Kansas City Chiefs (19631977)
New England Patriots (1978)
1,07246,13943.0
19 Brett Kern Denver Broncos (20082009)
Tennessee Titans (20092021)
Philadelphia Eagles (2022–present)
1,00646,13645.9
20 Kevin Huber Cincinnati Bengals (20092022)1,01145,76645.3
21 Brian Hansen New Orleans Saints (19841988)
New England Patriots (1990)
Cleveland Browns (19911993)
New York Jets (19941998)
Washington Redskins (1999)
1,05744,70042.3
22 Ray Guy^ Oakland / Los Angeles Raiders (19731986)1,04944,49342.4
23 John James Atlanta Falcons (19721981)
Detroit Lions (1982)
Houston Oilers (19821984)
1,08343,99240.6
24 Rich Camarillo New England Patriots (19811987)
Los Angeles Rams (1988)
Phoenix Cardinals (19891993)
Houston Oilers (19941995)
Oakland Raiders (1996)
1,02743,89542.7
25 Reggie Roby Miami Dolphins (19831992)
Washington Redskins (19931994)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1995)
Houston / Tennessee Oilers (19961997)
San Francisco 49ers (1998)
99242,95143.3
Statistics accurate through the 2022 NFL season and gathered from Pro-Football-Reference. [8]

Career punting average leaders

Key
*Denotes player who is still active
Denotes player's statistics are unofficial [lower-alpha 1]
Yards per punt
Yards per punt
RankPlayerTeam(s) by seasonY/P
1 A. J. Cole III* Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders (2019–present)48.2
2 Michael Dickson* Seattle Seahawks (2018–present)48.0
3 Shane Lechler Oakland Raiders (20002012)
Houston Texans (20132017)
47.6
4 Cameron Johnston* Philadelphia Eagles (20172020)
Houston Texans (2021–present)
47.3
5 Logan Cooke* Jacksonville Jaguars (2018–present)47.1
6 Tress Way* Washington Redskins / Football Team /
Commanders (2014–present)
46.9
7 Johnny Hekker* St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams (20122021)
Carolina Panthers (2022–present)
46.9
8 Bryan Anger* Jacksonville Jaguars (20122015)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (20162018)
Houston Texans (20192020)
Dallas Cowboys (2021–present)
46.8
9 Corey Bojorquez* Buffalo Bills (20182020)
Green Bay Packers (2021)
Cleveland Browns (2022–present)
46.8
10 Thomas Morstead* New Orleans Saints (20092020)
New York Jets (2021)
Atlanta Falcons (2021)
Miami Dolphins (2022)
New York Jets (2023–present)
46.8
Statistics accurate through the 2023 NFL season and gathered from Pro-Football-Reference. [9]
Net yards per punt
Logan Cooke holds the NFL's career record for net yards per punt among players with officially tracked statistics. Logan Cooke Jaguars 2021.png
Logan Cooke holds the NFL's career record for net yards per punt among players with officially tracked statistics.
Net yards per punt
RankPlayerTeam(s) by seasonNet
1 Tommy Davis San Francisco 49ers (19591969)44.5
2 Yale Lary Detroit Lions (19521953, 19561964)43.9
Sammy Baugh Washington Redskins (19371952)43.9
4 Dave Lewis Cincinnati Bengals (19701973)43.7
5 Jerry Norton Philadelphia Eagles (1954 1958)
Chicago/St. Louis Cardinals (1959 1961)
Dallas Cowboys (1962)
Green Bay Packers (1963 1964)
43.5
6 Logan Cooke* Jacksonville Jaguars (2018–present)43.3
Horace Gillom Cleveland Browns (19471956)43.3
7 Bob Scarpitto San Diego Chargers (1961)
Denver Broncos (19621967)
Boston Patriots (1968)
43.2
Don Chandler New York Giants (19561964)
Green Bay Packers (19651967)
43.2
10 Johnny Hekker* St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams (20122021)
Carolina Panthers (2022–present)
43.0
Statistics accurate through the 2023 NFL season and gathered from The Football Database. [10]

Career franchise punting yards leaders

Shane Lechler holds the franchise record for punting yards for both the Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans. Shane Lechler punts at Falcons at Raiders 11-2-08.JPG
Shane Lechler holds the franchise record for punting yards for both the Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans.
Kevin Huber holds the Bengals franchise record for career punting yards. Kevin Huber w helmet.jpg
Kevin Huber holds the Bengals franchise record for career punting yards.
Key
*Denotes player who is still active
Franchise with punting leader on its current roster
TeamPlayerTenurePuntsYardsAverageRef.
Arizona Cardinals Scott Player 1998–200771430,75243.1 [11]
Atlanta Falcons John James 1972–198187335,63340.8 [12]
Baltimore Ravens Sam Koch 2006–20211,16852,86845.3 [13]
Buffalo Bills Brian Moorman 2001–2012, 201392340,37043.7 [14]
Carolina Panthers Jason Baker 2005–201257025,06444.0 [15]
Chicago Bears Brad Maynard 2001–201087836,78141.9 [16]
Cincinnati Bengals Kevin Huber 2009–20221,01145,76645.3 [17]
Cleveland Browns Don Cockroft 1968–198065126,26240.3 [18]
Dallas Cowboys Mike Saxon 1985–199259124,54241.5 [19]
Denver Broncos Tom Rouen 1993–200264128,14643.9 [20]
Detroit Lions Nick Harris 2003–201269429,85743.0 [21]
Green Bay Packers David Beverly 1975–198049518,78537.9 [22]
Houston Texans Shane Lechler 2013–201743020,46347.6 [23]
Indianapolis Colts Rohn Stark 1982–199498543,16243.8 [24]
Jacksonville Jaguars Bryan Barker 1995–200045619,84943.5 [25]
Kansas City Chiefs Dustin Colquitt 2005–20191,12450,39344.8 [26]
Las Vegas Raiders Shane Lechler 2000–20121,01448,21547.5 [27]
Los Angeles Chargers Mike Scifres 2003–201675634,15245.2 [28]
Los Angeles Rams Johnny Hekker*2012–202172733,95146.7 [29]
Miami Dolphins Brandon Fields 2007–201459427,78046.8 [30]
Minnesota Vikings Greg Coleman 1978–198772029,39140.8 [31]
New England Patriots Rich Camarillo 1981–198746819,92242.6 [32]
New Orleans Saints Thomas Morstead 2009–202069232,19046.5 [33]
New York Giants Dave Jennings 1974–198493138,79241.7 [34]
New York Jets Curley Johnson 1961–196853422,71842.5 [35]
Philadelphia Eagles Donnie Jones 2013–201737416,97145.4 [36]
Pittsburgh Steelers Bobby Walden 1968–197771629,46241.1 [37]
San Francisco 49ers Andy Lee 2004–201594143,46846.2 [38]
Seattle Seahawks Jon Ryan 2008–201877034,49244.8 [39]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Josh Bidwell 2004–200941918,42644.0 [40]
Tennessee Titans Brett Kern 2009–202192342,33345.9 [41]
Washington Commanders Mike Bragg 1968–197989635,74639.9 [42]
Statistics accurate through the 2022 NFL season.

See also

Notes

  1. Prior to 1976, the NFL did not track net punting yards, and still does not officially recognize them, rendering pre-1976 net punting stats unofficial. [6]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ray Guy</span> American football player (1949–2022)

William Ray Guy was an American professional football punter who played for the Oakland / Los Angeles Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). Guy was a first-team All-American selection in 1972 as a senior for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, and is the only pure punter ever to be drafted in the first round of the NFL draft, when the Raiders selected him with the 23rd overall pick in the 1973 NFL draft. He won three Super Bowls with the Raiders. Guy was elected to both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014. An eight-time All-Pro, Guy is widely considered to be the greatest punter of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dave Zastudil</span> American football player (born 1978)

David Michael Zastudil is a former American football punter. He played college football at Ohio, and was drafted in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shane Lechler</span> American football player (born 1976)

Edward Shane Lechler is an American former professional football player who played as a punter for 18 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Texas A&M University and was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round of the 2000 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andy Lee (American football)</span> American football player (born 1982)

Andrew Paul Lee is an American football punter who is a free agent. He played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers, and was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Donnie Jones</span> American football player (born 1980)

Donald Scott Jones Jr. is an American former football punter who played in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the LSU Tigers and was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL draft. He also played for the Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams, Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Chargers. With the Eagles, he won Super Bowl LII.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sam Koch</span> American football player and coach (born 1982)

Samuel David Koch is an American former professional football player who spent his entire 16-year career as a punter for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and was selected by the Ravens in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL draft. He is known for developing many punting variations, revolutionizing his position in the process.

Richard Jon Camarillo is an American former football punter who played for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) for the New England Patriots (1981–1987), the Los Angeles Rams (1988), the Phoenix Cardinals (1989–1993), the Houston Oilers (1994–1995), and the Oakland Raiders (1996).

Glenn Adam Pakulak, Jr. is a former American football punter. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Kentucky.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brett Kern</span> American football player (born 1986)

Brett Alan Kern is an American former professional football player who was a punter in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Toledo Rockets and was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thomas Morstead</span> American football player (born 1986)

Thomas James Morstead is an American professional football punter for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at SMU and was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL draft. Morstead has also played for the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Punt (gridiron football)</span> Kick downfield to the opposing team in gridiron football

In gridiron football, a punt is a kick performed by dropping the ball from the hands and then kicking the ball before it hits the ground. The most common use of this tactic is to punt the ball downfield to the opposing team, usually on the final down, with the hope of giving the receiving team a field position that is more advantageous to the kicking team when possession changes. The result of a typical punt, barring any penalties or extraordinary circumstances, is a first down for the receiving team. A punt is not to be confused with a drop kick, a kick after the ball hits the ground, now rare in both American and Canadian football.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brad Nortman</span> American football player (born 1989)

Brad Nortman is a former American football punter. He played college football at the University of Wisconsin. He was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL draft, making him the first punter that the team had drafted in its history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tress Way</span> American football player (born 1990)

Tressler William Way is an American football punter for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners, signing with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2013 and joined the Commanders the following year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Dickson (American football)</span> Australian-born American football player (born 1996)

Michael Dickson is an Australian-born American football punter for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns and was selected by the Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL draft. Regarded as one of the best punters in the league, his career punt average of 47.7 yards per punt ranks as the highest in NFL history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A. J. Cole III</span> American football player (born 1995)

Alfred James Cole III is an American football punter for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at N.C. State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Stonehouse</span> American football player (born 1999)

Ryan Matthew Stonehouse is an American football punter for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Colorado State and signed with the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2022.

References

  1. "Minimum Requirements For Football Leaderboards". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on February 14, 2020. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  2. 1 2 "Giants' Feagles retires; NFL mark intact". ESPN. April 30, 2010. Archived from the original on August 27, 2022. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  3. "Giants' Feagles sets career punts record". New England Patriots. September 11, 2005. Archived from the original on August 26, 2022. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  4. "NFL Punts Career Leaders (since 1939)". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on August 29, 2022. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  5. "NFL Yards per Punt Career Leaders (since 1939)". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on July 4, 2022. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Shpigel, Ben (November 2, 2017). "The N.F.L.'s Most Valuable Player Might Be ... a Punter?". The New York Times . Archived from the original on November 4, 2017. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  7. "NFL Career Leaders – Punting Net Average". The Football Database. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  8. "NFL Punting Yards Career Leaders (since 1939)". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 28, 2013. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  9. "NFL Yards per Punt Career Leaders (since 1939)". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on July 4, 2022. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  10. "NFL Career Leaders – Punting Net Average". The Football Database. Archived from the original on August 29, 2023. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  11. "Arizona Cardinals Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  12. "Atlanta Falcons Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  13. "Baltimore Ravens Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  14. "Buffalo Bills Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on April 17, 2019. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  15. "Carolina Panthers Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  16. "Chicago Bears Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  17. "Cincinnati Bengals Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  18. "Cleveland Browns Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  19. "Dallas Cowboys Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  20. "Denver Broncos Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on August 14, 2020. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  21. "Detroit Lions Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  22. "Green Bay Packers Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  23. "Houston Texans Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  24. "Indianapolis Colts Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on August 15, 2020. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  25. "Jacksonville Jaguars Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  26. "Kansas City Chiefs Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  27. "Las Vegas Raiders Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  28. "Los Angeles Chargers Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  29. "Los Angeles Rams Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  30. "Miami Dolphins Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  31. "Minnesota Vikings Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  32. "New England Patriots Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  33. "New Orleans Saints Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  34. "New York Giants Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  35. "New York Jets Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  36. "Philadelphia Eagles Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  37. "Pittsburgh Steelers Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  38. "San Francisco 49ers Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  39. "Seattle Seahawks Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  40. "Tampa Bay Buccaneers Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  41. "Tennessee Titans Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  42. "Washington Commanders Career Punting Leaders". The Football Database. Archived from the original on September 23, 2020. Retrieved August 27, 2022.