You wouldn’t know it by watching the NFL over the past few seasons, but kickoff returns used to be one of the most exciting plays in the game. The NFL has implemented new rules starting this season to try and make the return relevant again, and with that we may see a new crop of great return specialists.
In anticipation of the new kickoff return rules, FanDuel recently dropped their top 10 ranking of returners all-time, and former Minnesota Vikings return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson comes in at number 7. While Patterson never caught on as a wide receiver or running back for the Vikings, he was electric on kickoff returns.
1⃣ Devin Hester
3⃣ Josh Cribbs
6⃣ Deion SandersWhere'd we go wrong here? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/MWtJjNNewx
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) July 6, 2024
During his 11-year NFL career, Patterson amassed nearly 8,000 yards on kick returns, more than half of which came as a Viking. Patterson took nine kickoffs back for a touchdown in his career, five of which came in a Vikings uniform, and he was named to two Pro Bowl teams and three All-Pro teams—two first-team and one second-team—as a Viking for his prowess as a returner.
It wasn’t until his time with the Falcons that Patterson realized his true potential as a running back/wide receiver gadget player, but his kickoff return ability was always there from the start, making Patterson one of the most unique talents to ever put on a Vikings uniform—if also possibly an example of a somewhat wasted talent.