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USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking the top 10 punt return yardage leaders in Saints history
Ranking the top 10 punt return yardage leaders in Saints history From Heisman Trophy winners to All-Pro selections, an explosive group to say the least As we continue our series on franchise stat leaders, we shift our focus to special teams -- highlighting the top 10 players in punt return yardage in New Orleans Saints history. This list features a dynamic group of guys, ranging from Heisman Trophy winners to All-Pro selections, all of whom brought electrifying playmaking ability to the return game. Armed with game-breaking speed, elite vision, and the kind of elusiveness that kept opposing special teams units up at night--often scaring punters out of their usual game plans--these returners were true field-flipping threats. Whether it was providing a much-needed spark in a tightly contested game or igniting the Superdome with a burst of magic, they left their mark on one of the most pivotal yet overlooked phases of football. Here's a look at the top 10 punt returners in Saints history, ranked by total yardage. 10. WR Eric Guliford (1997-1998): 599 return yards 9. WR Rich Mauti (1977-1983): 610 return yards 8. KR Mel Gray (1986-1988): 657 return yards 7. RB Darren Sproles (2011-2013): 671 return yards 6. WR Rashid Shaheed (2022-Present): 675 return yards 5. RB Reggie Bush (2006-2010): 720 return yards 4. WR Deonte Harty (2019-2022): 752 return yards 3. WR Jeff Groth (1981-1985): 887 return yards 2. DB Tyrone Hughes (1993-1996): 1,060 return yards 1. WR Michael Lewis (2001-2006): 1,482 return yards
USA Today
28-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Eric Guliford's 102-yard kick return touchdown is the Saints Play of the Day
There are 102 days to go until the New Orleans Saints kick off their 2025 regular season -- that means this 102-yard kick return touchdown by Eric Guliford back in 1997 is our Saints Play of the Day in the countdown. Guliford gave the Saints some life late in the second quarter, answering a 30-yard touchdown pass from Rams quarterback Tony Banks to wide receiver Torrance Small with a score of his own, which you can see here. This was one of the last touchdowns Guliford scored in his five-year NFL career, but he made it count. And for a long time he owned the Saints' franchise record for the longest kick return touchdown. 20 years, in fact, until Alvin Kamara broke the record with a 106-yard kick return TD in 2017. The team may have fallen short that day against the Rams, but Guliford earned his place in New Orleans Saints history.
