The Dallas Cowboys’ 15 Best Kick Returners

The Dallas Cowboys have produced some of the NFL’s most electrifying kick returners. These players, well-known Hall of Famers and exceptional team athletes, ignited the field with game-changing returns. Let’s look at the 15 best kick returners in Cowboys’ history and their achievements and contributions to the team.

Mel Renfro was a Hall of Fame defensive back, a 10-time Pro Bowler, and a two-time Super Bowl champion. From 1964 to 1967, Renfro averaged over 26 yards per kick return and had a knack for breaking long runs that shifted momentum for Dallas.

Though Sanders only played five seasons with the Cowboys, he was a six-time All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion. Sander’s agility and instincts made him dangerous on kickoff and punt returns. Moreover, Sanders’ approach to returning kicks often left fans on the edge of their seats.

“Bullet” Bob Hayes was a three-time Pro Bowler and an Olympic gold medalist. Due to his world-class speed, the player was difficult to catch once he got into the open field. Hayes’ explosiveness allowed him to outrun defenders, and his track background made him a constant scorer.

Kevin Williams was pivotal in Dallas’ success during the early ’90s dynasty. From 1993 to 1996, he was the Cowboys’ primary return man. As an elusive returner, he used his agility and quick cuts to consistently put the team in a good field position.

Geoff Swaim played for the Dallas Cowboys from 2015 to 2018. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL Draft and started in multiple games, mainly after injuries to other tight ends. In 2018, Swaim recorded 26 receptions for 242 yards and a touchdown.

Primarily known as a wide receiver, Crayton also contributed on special teams. From 2004 to 2009, he provided reliable kick returns and was a solid option for the Cowboys. Crayton was particularly valuable in clutch moments, where his poise under pressure helped the Cowboys avoid costly mistakes.

Dwayne Harris was among the Cowboys’ most productive return specialists in the 2010s. Since 2011, he has consistently set the team up with a good field position. He averaged nearly 30 yards per return in 2013 and holds the Cowboys’ record for most punt return touchdowns in a season.

Drafted in 2008, Felix Jones became the first Cowboys player to score a touchdown on his first-ever NFL carry. As a kick returner, he was explosive and could change the course of a game in one play. Jones averaged 24.1 yards per return during his time in Dallas.

A Hall of Fame running back, Tony Dorsett dabbled in kick returns. While he primarily made his name as a running back, his early years featured some notable returns. Dorsett’s 99-yard touchdown run in 1983 remains the longest rush in NFL history.

Though Isaiah Stanback’s NFL career was brief, he flashed potential as a kick returner during his stint with the Cowboys. His athleticism and size (6’2″, 208 pounds) made him an intriguing returner, capable of gaining tough yards while also having the speed to take one to the house. 

Lucky Whitehead played for the Cowboys from 2015 to 2016 and became known for his electric returns. He was one of the fastest players on the team, averaged 25.6 yards per kick return during his time in Dallas, and provided a spark on multiple occasions.

From 2001 to 2002, Reggie Swinton was one of the top kick returners in the league, averaging over 23 yards per kick return in 2002. The player’s ability to find seams in the coverage units and instinctive returning style allowed him to exploit defenses and gain positive yardage.

Alexander Wright was a feared kick returner in the early ’90s. He was named the NFL’s Fastest Man in 1990 and 1991. His brief time with the Cowboys was filled with game-changing plays that energized the team and fans.

Before becoming a Pro Bowl wide receiver, Miles Austin made his mark on special teams. As one of the team’s primary kick returners, he averaged 24.6 yards per return in 2006. Mile’s team record of 250 receiving yards in a single game remains unbroken.

Terrance Newman was primarily known as a cornerback but was also used on special teams. Though he eventually focused on his defensive duties, his early contributions as a returner were significant for the Cowboys. Newman’s 26.2-yard average on kick returns in 2003 ranks among the best in the NFL.