The NFL's Top Five Return Specialists

Yes, Devin Hester may be the undisputed champion of kickoff and punt returning in the National Football League, but he is not the only electrifying player that is a threat to score on special teams. Therefore, I have compiled a list of the best return specialists in the NFL, starting with none other than Hester himself at spot #1:

1. Devin Hester, Chicago Bears - You have to wonder... if a coach elects to kick to him with the game on the line, are the long work hours and stress driving the coach to insanity? Because kicking to Hester with the game on the line is like committing professional suicide. I am no owner, but if I lost a game because a coach kicked to him with the game in the balance, I would seriously have to consider firing him during the post-game press conference.... unless of course we stopped him. But that is a feat so rarely done, that it is just better not to kick to Hester.

2. Joshua Cribbs, Cleveland Browns - Cribbs has exceptional quickness and size which makes him ideal for returning kicks and punts all season, because these return men can take a beating as the year drags on. Cribbs went for over 1,800 yards and 3 touchdowns returning last season, which is a true testament to his durability and his explosive return skills (and you have to give some credit to a lackluster Browns' defense that gave Cribbs more than his fair share of kickoff returns). Many out there question whether or not Cribbs is just as dangerous, or even more dangerous, than Hester. When you look at the numbers, Cribbs averages two fewer yards than Hester per punt return. However, on kickoffs, Cribbs averages 30 yards per return, while Hester only averages 22 yards.

3. Darren Sproles, San Diego Chargers - He is a very little guy, and that just may help him the return game. His 5'6" frame makes him that much harder to find on kickoff returns, and even when a defender finally can locate him through mass of bodies all over the field, he's so quick and swift that he's hard to get a hold of even when you can see him. He averaged 27 yards per kickoff return and he even took one back to the house. He also had a punt return for 45 yards and a score, and if you saw it, you know just how electrifying this young man is.

4. Leon Washington, New York Jets - Jets fans already know how much of savior Leon was in this dismal season the Jets just had. His three kickoff returns for touchdowns were about the only thing worth watching if you were forced to sit down in front of a Jets game. He averaged 27 yards per kickoff return, including a 98-yard return for a touchdown against the other team from New York at the Meadowlands.

5. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars - We all know Jones-Drew for his rushing ability, but just because he is a great running back does not mean he still can't return the ball. He runs with the same low-to-the-ground power on kickoffs that he utilizes in the running game. It has proven to be an effective style for him, as he amassed 26 yards per kickoff return last year, including a 100-yard return for a touchdown.

Anybody disagree with my assessments? Then submit your top five return specialists in the comment section.