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Redskins: Ranking the greatest kick returners in Washington’s history

By Jonathan Eig

3 DEC 1995: BRIAN MITCHELL #30 OF WASHINGTON DARTS PAST THE BLOCK OF TEAMMATE DARRYL POUNDS #31 AGAINST DALLAS DURING THE SECOND QUARTER AT TEXAS STADIUM IN IRVING, TEXAS. Mandatory Credit: Joe Patronite/ALLSPORT
3 DEC 1995: BRIAN MITCHELL #30 OF WASHINGTON DARTS PAST THE BLOCK OF TEAMMATE DARRYL POUNDS #31 AGAINST DALLAS DURING THE SECOND QUARTER AT TEXAS STADIUM IN IRVING, TEXAS. Mandatory Credit: Joe Patronite/ALLSPORT /
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Washington Redskins cornerback Darrel Green (28) argues with field judge Don Dorkowski (113) after Green was called for pass interferance during first quarter action 26 December 1993 in Irving, TX. The penalty set up Dallas’ first touchdown. (Photo by TIM ROBERTS / AFP) (Photo credit should read TIM ROBERTS/AFP via Getty Images)
Washington Redskins cornerback Darrel Green (28) argues with field judge Don Dorkowski (113) after Green was called for pass interferance during first quarter action 26 December 1993 in Irving, TX. The penalty set up Dallas’ first touchdown. (Photo by TIM ROBERTS / AFP) (Photo credit should read TIM ROBERTS/AFP via Getty Images) /

Honorable Mentions

One thing to make clear right up front: The Redskins have had two of the most exciting open field runners in the history of the game returning kicks, but they only did it occasionally. Such is the case with Bobby Mitchell and Darrell Green, either of whom could have contended for the greatest kick returner in league history, if only they weren’t so valuable at other positions. Both Mitchell and Green were used in emergency situations, and both delivered. But they are not being considered for this list.

And I distinctly recall thinking the Redskins had found their next legendary return man early in 1978, after watching rookie running back Tony Green take a punt back 80 yards against Philly one week, and topping it with a 99 yard kickoff return against St. Louis the following week. But Tony Green would not last beyond that one magical year in DC, and a single year isn’t good enough to make this list.

Here’s what is:

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