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.
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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
Sep 28, 1997; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints kick returner Eric Guliford (84) in action against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK
9. WR Rich Mauti (1977-1983): 610 return yards
Sep 20, 1975; Columbus, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Rich Mauti (48) in action against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
8. KR Mel Gray (1986-1988): 657 return yards
SAN FRANCISCO – DECEMBER 11: Mel J. Gray #37 of the New Orleans Saints looks to make a play during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on December 11, 1988 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won 30-17. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
7. RB Darren Sproles (2011-2013): 671 return yards
GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 08: Darren Sproles #43 of the New Orleans Saints returns a punt for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter during the season opening game at Lambeau Field on September 8, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
6. WR Rashid Shaheed (2022-Present): 675 return yards
Oct 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) returns a punt for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
5. RB Reggie Bush (2006-2010): 720 return yards
Jan 16, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush (25) returns a punt for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter of the 2010 NFC divisional playoff game at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports
4. WR Deonte Harty (2019-2022): 752 return yards
Aug 19, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Deonte Harty (11) rushes with the football during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
3. WR Jeff Groth (1981-1985): 887 return yards
Dec 12, 1982; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints receiver Jeff Groth (86) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Fulton County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
2. DB Tyrone Hughes (1993-1996): 1,060 return yards
SAN FRANCISCO – OCTOBER 29: Cornerback Tyrone Hughes #33 of the New Orleans Saints takes a rest on the bench during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on October 29, 1995 in San Francisco, California. The Saints won 11-7. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
1. WR Michael Lewis (2001-2006): 1,482 return yards
7 Oct 2001: Michael Lewis #84 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints won 28-15. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martinez/ALLSPORT
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Ranking the top 10 leaders in punt return yards in Saints history