Deonte Harty may be one the NFL's smallest players at 5-6, 170 pounds, but he made one of the biggest plays of the season in the Week 18 finale.
Harty's shining moment came early in the fourth quarter of the Bill-Dolphins game. He went back to return a punt with the Bills trailing 14-7 and struggling to finish drives on offense, as Josh Allen dealt with all-too-familiar turnover issues.
Harty fielded the ball at his own four-yard line, a decision that bucks the conventional wisdom of avoiding punts inside the 10.
However, nobody was questioning Harty's choice when he blazed into the end zone 96 yards later.
DEONTE HARTY 95 YARDS TO THE HOUSE
— NFL (@NFL) January 8, 2024
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Harty's play not only sparked the Bills — giving life to their offense and defense in a 21-14 victory — but it also made team history as the longest punt return ever by a Buffalo player. The previous record belonged to Leodis McKelvin, who had an 88-yarder in 2012.
MORE: Bills vs. Dolphins live score, updates, highlights from NFL 'Sunday Night Football' game
Where does Harty's return rank all-time? It is among the most prolific punt returns in NFL history.
What is the longest punt return in NFL history?
The longest punt return in NFL history belongs to former Rams defensive back Robert Bailey, who took one back 103 yards in 1994. He remains the only player in NFL history to return a punt more than 100 yards.
Bailey's record isn't one that's likely to be broken, as NFL teams rarely ever field punts in the end zone unless it's by accident. While that record will turn 30 next year, it may stand for many decades after that.
Longest punt returns in NFL history
Harty's return may not have set the all-time NFL record, but it tied Bill Dudley for the 12th-longest punt return in NFL history.
Below is a look at all of the punt returns of more than 95 yards in NFL history.
| Rank | Player | Yards | Season | Team |
| 1 | Robert Bailey | 103 | 1994 | Rams |
| 2 | Dwayne Harris | 99 | 2018 | Raiders |
| Patrick Peterson | 99 | 2011 | Cardinals | |
| 4 | Tavon Austin | 98 | 2013 | Rams |
| Damaris Johnson | 98 | 2012 | Eagles | |
| Terance Mathis | 98 | 1990 | Jets | |
| Dennis Morgan | 98 | 1974 | Cowboys | |
| Charlie West | 98 | 1968 | Vikings | |
| 9 | Jakeem Grant | 97 | 2021 | Bears |
| Bryan McCann | 97 | 2010 | Cowboys | |
| Greg Pruitt | 97 | 1983 | Raiders | |
| 12 | Deonte Harty | 96 | 2023 | Bills |
| Bill Dudley | 96 | 1950 | Washington | |
| 14 | Johnny Bailey | 95 | 1990 | Bears |
| Frank Bernardi | 95 | 1956 | Cardinals | |
| Lamont Brightful | 95 | 2002 | Ravens | |
| Speedy Duncan | 95 | 1968 | Chargers | |
| Jacquez Green | 95 | 1998 | Buccaneers | |
| Tyreek Hill | 95 | 2016 | Chiefs | |
| Desmond Howard | 95 | 2000 | Lions | |
| Steve Odom | 95 | 1974 | Packers | |
| Carl Pickens | 95 | 1992 | Bengals | |
| John Taylor | 95 | 1988 | 49ers |
Among active players, Harty's 96-yard return is the third-longest behind only Patrick Peterson and Jakeem Grant.
It's safe to say his feat won't be achieved often. Harty's great display should be appreciated by all NFL fans, especially Bills fans as the diminutive receiver helped them sew up a fourth consecutive AFC East title.