Heisman punt returns

The punt return is one of the most exciting moments in football. It has the potential to shift a game’s momentum in dramatic fashion and, when a lone returner manages to defeat the coverage hurtling his way at breakneck speed, it often reveals a big of magic in that player’s constitution.

Punt return touchdowns have provided some of the most iconic moments in Heisman history, but they don’t happen very often (just 14 times). Here’s a list of punt return touchdown in Heisman seasons (with highlights where possible):

1997: Charles Woodson
77 yards vs. Ohio State

It’s been almost 20 years since a Heisman winner returned a punt for a score. Woodson’s effort against Ohio State was the most recent.

1991: Desmond Howard
93 yards vs. Ohio State

This return is most famous for the pose that Howard struck at the end.

1988: Barry Sanders
61 yards vs. Texas A&M

Sanders’ punt return TD came just one game after he took a kickoff back for a score.

1987: Tim Brown
66 yards vs. Michigan State
71 yards vs. Michigan State
74 yards vs. Air Force

Brown is one of two Heisman winners to return two punts for touchdowns in the same game. He holds the record for most Heisman punt return touchdowns with three.

1972: Johnny Rodgers
64 yards vs. Minnesota
52 yards vs. Kansas State

His most famous punt return came against Oklahoama in 1971, the year before he won the Heisman.

1965: Mike Garrett
87 yards vs. California
74 yards vs. California

Garrett’s two punt return touchdowns crippled the Bears in 1965.

1959: Billy Cannon
89 yards vs. Mississippi

Arguably the most famous punt return in SEC history.

1958: Pete Dawkins
80 yards vs. Villanova

1950: Vic Janowicz
61 yards vs. Iowa

1948: Doak Walker
75 yards vs. Pittsburgh