Kickers are normally the last line of defense on kickoffs. By the time a returner reaches the kicker, he is usually either too slow, too weak or too out of position to make the tackle. When kickers do make a tackle, it is usually a lucky trip-up or a desperate shoelace tackle. That’s why when a kicker stops a returner from taking one to the house, it can be an embarrassing moment for the returner.
RELATED: 5 NFL Players Playing the Wrong Position
Even rarer and more humiliating than a kicker making a tackle on a returner is a kicker absolutely destroying him. But it does happen occasionally and when it does, it’s very entertaining for the fans. We ranked the top five biggest hits made by kickers.
5. Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers was drafted 169th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. He had a long and successful career, including a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2005 with the Arizona Cardinals. During his last season, when he was with the Houston Texans, the 6-foot, 200-pound kicker laid down the boomstick. The Texans were beating the Tennessee Titans and Rackers made it worse.
[youtube video=”qxbrKiWuPSI” /]4. Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Gostkowski of the New England Patriots has been one of the best kickers in the NFL since he came into the league in 2006. The four-time Pro Bowler not only has a powerful leg, but he also wields a powerful hitstick. During a game against the Tennessee Titans in 2012, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound kicker squared up with the returner and sent him flying out of bounds.
[youtube video=”xz7ywKFcAUM” /]3. Pat McAfee
2. Joey Julius
1. Carey Spear
The No. 1 spot belongs to unsigned NFL free agent Carey Spear. The 24-year-old isn’t currently on a team, and his big hits came when he was at Vanderbilt. The hits he delivered were so hard that he received the nickname “Murderleg.” The 5-foot-10, 190-pound kicker would sprint down after kicking the ball and throw all of his weight into the returner.
His first huge hit was against Wake Forest when he ran down the field and took out the returner’s legs, making him do a front flip.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MOST POPULAR
Kickers are normally the last line of defense on kickoffs. By the time a returner reaches the kicker, he is usually either too slow, too weak or too out of position to make the tackle. When kickers do make a tackle, it is usually a lucky trip-up or a desperate shoelace tackle. That’s why when a kicker stops a returner from taking one to the house, it can be an embarrassing moment for the returner.
RELATED: 5 NFL Players Playing the Wrong Position
Even rarer and more humiliating than a kicker making a tackle on a returner is a kicker absolutely destroying him. But it does happen occasionally and when it does, it’s very entertaining for the fans. We ranked the top five biggest hits made by kickers.
5. Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers was drafted 169th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. He had a long and successful career, including a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2005 with the Arizona Cardinals. During his last season, when he was with the Houston Texans, the 6-foot, 200-pound kicker laid down the boomstick. The Texans were beating the Tennessee Titans and Rackers made it worse.
4. Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Gostkowski of the New England Patriots has been one of the best kickers in the NFL since he came into the league in 2006. The four-time Pro Bowler not only has a powerful leg, but he also wields a powerful hitstick. During a game against the Tennessee Titans in 2012, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound kicker squared up with the returner and sent him flying out of bounds.
3. Pat McAfee
2. Joey Julius
1. Carey Spear
The No. 1 spot belongs to unsigned NFL free agent Carey Spear. The 24-year-old isn’t currently on a team, and his big hits came when he was at Vanderbilt. The hits he delivered were so hard that he received the nickname “Murderleg.” The 5-foot-10, 190-pound kicker would sprint down after kicking the ball and throw all of his weight into the returner.
His first huge hit was against Wake Forest when he ran down the field and took out the returner’s legs, making him do a front flip.
[youtube video=”I1vp4IIfxwM” /]