Gunner (American football)

In American football, a gunner, also known as a shooter, flyer, headhunter, or kamikaze, is a player on kickoffs and punts who specializes in running down the sideline very quickly in an attempt to tackle the kick or punt returner.^[1][2] Gunners must have several techniques in order to break away or "shed" blockers, and have good agility in order to change their running direction quickly. Gunners on the punt team also must be able to block or catch.^[3]

Gunners typically also play positions as defensive backs, wide receivers, or running back when not on special teams, often as backups.

The counterpart on the return team is called the jammer, who is assigned to block the gunner of the punting team.

The NFL Pro Bowl features a "Special Teamer" position, along with a kicker, punter, and kick returner. This is often a gunner considered to be among the best. Steve Tasker, a 7-time Pro Bowler, is considered to be one of the top gunners in NFL history.^[4] Pro Bowler Bill Bates of the 1980s–1990s Dallas Cowboys was a well known gunner, known for daredevil plays. Ten-time Pro Bowler Matthew Slater of the New England Patriots is considered a top gunner who contributed greatly to the Patriots winning the Super Bowl in 2014, 2016 and 2018.^[3]