In NFL history, spanning 59 Super Bowls, a notable scoring feat has never occurred: a touchdown from a punt return.
Since the inaugural Super Bowl in 1966, the game has featured nearly every type of scoring play, such as:
- Safety? Yes, that’s happened.
- Blocked punt returned for a touchdown? Check.
- Pick-six? Multiple instances.
- Blocked field goal for a touchdown? Ask Garo Yepremian about that one.
Despite this, no one has ever scored a punt return touchdown, and even long punt returns are rare. Only two returns have exceeded 50 yards: Jordan Norwood’s 61-yard return in Super Bowl 50, and Kadarius Toney’s record-setting 65-yard return in Super Bowl LVII, where he was tackled just shy of scoring.
We’re now turning our attention to the upcoming Super Bowl XL, where two dynamic returners, Marcus Jones from New England and Rashid Shaheed from Seattle, might make history.
Jones has showcased his talent with an average of 17.3 yards on returns, scoring on two returns that exceeded 85 yards, including a thrilling 94-yarder against the Giants.
Jones: “If that were to happen, I would be thrilled to take advantage of the opportunity.”
On the other hand, Shaheed has been just as explosive, notably scoring a vital touchdown on a 58-yard punt return against the Rams, contributing significantly to securing the No. 1 overall seed for Seattle.
Both players are capable of changing the course of the game, and with Super Bowl LX being held in Levi’s Stadium—where some Super Bowl history has unfolded—there’s hope for a first-ever punt return touchdown. Don’t miss any action when the punt team takes the field!
