Dante Hall Amazing Punt Return
Dante Hall Amazing Punt Return
October 5, 2003

Dante Hall Amazing Punt Return

"My mindset was: 'Make a play'." - Dante Hall

On October 5, 2003, a spectacular kick return by a player dubbed "The Human Joystick" made the final difference in an AFC West battle of 4-0 teams at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The Chiefs trailed 23-17 with 8:45 left in the fourth quarter, and had forced a Denver punt. Back for the return was Chiefs returner Dante Hall, who caught a high arcing kick inside his own 10. He immediately avoided a Bronco, then avoided a second tackler by motoring slightly backward to his right. Seemingly trapped now by five Denver players, Hall broke back left and looped around – nearly back to his own goal line. He shifted gears and accelerated into open space near the left sideline, following a host of blockers, and cruising in for the touchdown. The score put Kansas City ahead 24-23, which would be the final score. Hall went on to be selected as a first-team All-Pro, returning two punts and two kickoffs for TDs in a season in which the Chiefs went 13-3 and won the AFC West.