this post was submitted on 27 Oct 2023
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I'm not talking about a kicker, or a punter, or even like a short yardage back or something. Has there ever been a guy who was known for being an elite gunner (guy on the punting team who tries to down the ball on a punt that isn't fielded by a returner)? Or a special teams tackler? Or long snapper? I don't even know if people pay attention to things like this; just curious.

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[–] Spirited_Edge_449@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Bill Bates. The reason they have a pro bowl spot for special teamers

[–] kstate-miamidolphin@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Eric Rowe. Man could play slot really well just not on the islands

[–] gyman122@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Pete Johnson was a 260 pound fullback in the 70s and 80s, in those days that was about the size of an offensive guard.

Well known as the best short yardage back of his era, if not all time. Has one of the best attempt/TD rates ever

[–] PyrokineticLemer@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Paul Seymour, the third tackle in front of Simpson. Devastating blocker.

[–] gyman122@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

All-American tackle at Michigan!

[–] killasuarus@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Devin Hester will go to the Hall of Fame for being the best kick/punt returner ever.

Terrible receiver, God Tier kick returner.

[–] Grass-Kicker@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)
[–] killasuarus@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

I don’t. He was a finalist the last two years.

[–] insane_heat@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Taysom Hill seems pretty niche.

[–] sweens90@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

He’s so niche he’s the best because he is 1 of 1

[–] bangharder@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago
[–] Mick_May@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Walter Payton. In terms of being a running back, he was elite at catching, blocking, and throwing.

[–] Untitled-2017@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

For a few seasons the panthers had Rhys Lloyd who was only there for his elite Kickoffs

Devin Hester?

[–] yalemartin@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

I think Juju Smith-Schuster and TJ Houshmanzadeh are elite WR2's. Do not ask either of them to be a WR1, for some reason they can't do it. Not in their DNA.

But ask them to be a WR2 and they'll pop.

[–] NextTime76@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Steve Tasker

[–] gmil3548@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Matthew Slater

[–] Zxar@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Sam Gash, nobody could clear out holes better. Only running back to make the pro bowl without a single carry in a season.

[–] FluffsBanker611@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Kassim Osgood as the gunner, David Binn as the long snapper

[–] Mick_May@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Hines Ward: THE blocking WR.

[–] LivinLikeHST@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Steve Tasker from the Bills - probably the best special teams player of all time and was not a kicker

Wiki: spent 13 seasons in the NFL from 1985 to 1997, with 12 of them in Buffalo. He was a five-team first-team All-Pro and was selected to seven Pro Bowls as a special teamer. Tasker is regarded as one of the best special teamers of all time.

[–] TKHawk@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Sherrick McManis. At one point he was the longest tenured player for the Chicago Bears but was almost exclusively a special teams ace. Guy was a phenom gunner on punts and kicks.

[–] Justzyn_Jefferzyn@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Marcus Sherels

[–] HoraceBenbow@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

RB Leroy Hoard once said, "if coach says get me 2 yards, I'll get you 4. If coach says get me 6 yards....I'll get you 4."

[–] thedreamcomparison@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Nobody could run the wildcat like Ronnie Brown

[–] alienbringer@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago
[–] SkinNoises@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Jets intentionally signed Justin Hardee in 2021 as a gunner specialist, and has been their special teams captain every season since. He made the pro bowl last season as well. He is an elite gunner and is who I watch on every Jets punt, dude is the tackler on almost every punt. Here is a highlight video of his 2022 play https://youtu.be/SsnBflswW7Y?si=wfDEHfPS1XI_ia39

[–] BV2159@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Travis Jervey. Made the pro bowl as a special teamer

[–] Rah_Rah_RU_Rah@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Joseph Addai's best skill was arguably pass protection even though he was a RB

[–] dmangan56@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Steve Tasker should be in the HOF.