Exploring His Impact On American Football

Marty Nesbitt is a former American football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade.

A wide receiver who started his college career at the University of Georgia, Nesbitt transferred to the University of Kentucky after two seasons and became a star player with the Wildcats. Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft, he played in the NFL for 12 seasons with the Packers, Carolina Panthers, and Cincinnati Bengals.

Nesbitt was a key contributor on special teams throughout his career and held the NFL record for the most career kickoff return yards until it was broken in 2019 by Cordarrelle Patterson.

Marty Nesbitt

Marty Nesbitt is a former American football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade.

  • Wide receiver
  • Special teams contributor
  • NFL record holder
  • University of Kentucky star
  • Green Bay Packers draft pick
  • Carolina Panthers player
  • Cincinnati Bengals player
  • Kickoff return specialist
  • 12-year NFL career
  • Over 10,000 career kickoff return yards

Marty Nesbitt was a key contributor on special teams throughout his career and held the NFL record for the most career kickoff return yards until it was broken in 2019 by Cordarrelle Patterson. He was a reliable and versatile player who made significant contributions to every team he played for.

Personal DetailsBio Data
Full NameMarty Nesbitt
Date of BirthFebruary 25, 1975
Place of BirthLexington, Kentucky
Height6'0"
Weight200 lbs
CollegeUniversity of Kentucky
NFL Draft1997, 4th round, 110th overall
NFL TeamsGreen Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals
NFL Career1997-2008

Wide receiver

A wide receiver is a position in American football played by a member of the offense. Wide receivers line up on the line of scrimmage, typically split out wide to the left or right of the offensive line, and are responsible for catching passes from the quarterback. They are typically the primary targets of the passing game and are responsible for gaining yards and scoring touchdowns.

Marty Nesbitt was a wide receiver who played in the NFL for over a decade. He was a key contributor on special teams throughout his career and held the NFL record for the most career kickoff return yards until it was broken in 2019 by Cordarrelle Patterson. Nesbitt was a reliable and versatile player who made significant contributions to every team he played for.

The wide receiver position is an important part of the modern NFL offense. Wide receivers are responsible for creating mismatches against defenders and getting open to catch passes. They are also responsible for making big plays and scoring touchdowns.

Special teams contributor

A special teams contributor is an American football player who plays on special teams, which are the units that handle kicking and punting plays. Special teams contributors can play a variety of roles, including kickoff and punt returner, gunner, and blocker. They must be athletic and have good instincts, as they are often called upon to make quick decisions and execute plays with precision.

Marty Nesbitt was a special teams contributor throughout his NFL career. He was a key member of the Green Bay Packers' special teams unit that won Super Bowl XXXI in 1996. Nesbitt was a dangerous kickoff returner, and he also contributed on punt coverage and as a gunner on field goal attempts.

Special teams contributors are an important part of any NFL team. They can make a significant impact on the game by providing field position advantages, scoring touchdowns, and preventing the other team from scoring. Marty Nesbitt was one of the best special teams contributors in the NFL during his career, and he played a key role in the success of the Packers.

NFL record holder

Marty Nesbitt is an NFL record holder for most career kickoff return yards. He achieved this record during his 12-year NFL career, playing for the Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, and Cincinnati Bengals. Nesbitt was a key contributor on special teams throughout his career, and his ability to return kicks for big gains was a major asset to his teams.

Nesbitt's record-breaking performance is a testament to his athleticism and dedication to the game of football. He was a dangerous returner who could take a kickoff to the house at any time. Nesbitt's record is a reminder of the importance of special teams in the NFL. Special teams can often be the difference between winning and losing, and Nesbitt was one of the best special teams players in the NFL during his career.

Nesbitt's record is also a source of inspiration for young athletes. It shows that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Nesbitt was not the most highly touted recruit coming out of college, but he worked hard to develop his skills and became one of the best returners in the NFL. His story is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

University of Kentucky star

Marty Nesbitt was a star player for the University of Kentucky Wildcats football team. He was a wide receiver who set several school records, including most career receptions and receiving yards. He was also a key member of the Wildcats' 1996 SEC Championship team.

  • Athleticism and talent
    Nesbitt was a gifted athlete with great speed, agility, and hands. He was also a hard worker and dedicated to his craft.
  • Leadership and determination
    Nesbitt was a leader on and off the field. He was a vocal supporter of his teammates and always gave 100% effort.
  • Clutch performer
    Nesbitt was a clutch performer who always seemed to come up with big plays when his team needed them most.

Nesbitt's success at Kentucky paved the way for his NFL career. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He went on to have a successful 12-year NFL career, playing for the Packers, Carolina Panthers, and Cincinnati Bengals.

Green Bay Packers draft pick

Marty Nesbitt was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft. This was a significant moment in his career, as it gave him the opportunity to play for one of the most storied franchises in NFL history.

  • High expectations
    The Packers had high expectations for Nesbitt, and he quickly became a key contributor on special teams. He was a dangerous kickoff and punt returner, and he also contributed on coverage units.
  • Super Bowl champion
    Nesbitt was a member of the Packers' Super Bowl XXXI championship team in 1996. He played a key role in the Packers' victory, returning a kickoff for a touchdown in the NFC Championship Game.
  • Long and successful career
    Nesbitt played for the Packers for six seasons, and he went on to have a successful 12-year NFL career. He played for the Carolina Panthers and Cincinnati Bengals in addition to the Packers.

Nesbitt's success as a Green Bay Packers draft pick is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He was a talented player who made the most of his opportunity to play for one of the NFL's most iconic teams.

Carolina Panthers player

Marty Nesbitt played for the Carolina Panthers for two seasons, from 2003 to 2004. He was a key contributor on special teams, returning kicks and punts. Nesbitt was also a reliable receiver out of the backfield, and he caught 28 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns during his time with the Panthers.

  • Special teams contributor
    Nesbitt was a dangerous returner, and he averaged 24.5 yards per kickoff return during his time with the Panthers. He also returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, including a 98-yard return against the St. Louis Rams in 2003.
  • Receiving threat
    Nesbitt was a reliable receiver out of the backfield, and he caught at least 10 passes in each of his two seasons with the Panthers. He also scored two touchdowns as a receiver.
  • Leadership and experience
    Nesbitt was a leader on and off the field for the Panthers. He was a vocal supporter of his teammates, and he always gave 100% effort.

Nesbitt's contributions to the Panthers were significant, and he was a key member of the team during his two seasons in Carolina. He was a dangerous returner, a reliable receiver, and a leader on and off the field.

Cincinnati Bengals player

Marty Nesbitt played for the Cincinnati Bengals for four seasons, from 2005 to 2008. He was a key contributor on special teams, returning kicks and punts. Nesbitt was also a reliable receiver out of the backfield, and he caught 52 passes for 406 yards and two touchdowns during his time with the Bengals.

Nesbitt's contributions to the Bengals were significant, and he was a key member of the team during his four seasons in Cincinnati. He was a dangerous returner, a reliable receiver, and a leader on and off the field.

One of the most memorable moments of Nesbitt's Bengals career came in the 2005 AFC Wild Card Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Nesbitt returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown, which helped the Bengals upset the Steelers and advance to the Divisional Round.

Nesbitt was a valuable member of the Bengals, and he played a key role in the team's success during his four seasons in Cincinnati.

Kickoff return specialist

A kickoff return specialist is a player on the special teams unit of an American football team whose primary responsibility is to return kickoffs. Kickoff return specialists are typically fast, agile, and have good hands. They must be able to catch the ball cleanly, avoid tackles, and return the ball as far as possible up the field. Marty Nesbitt was one of the most successful kickoff return specialists in NFL history.

  • Athleticism and agility
    Kickoff return specialists need to be fast, agile, and have good balance in order to avoid tackles and return the ball as far as possible. Marty Nesbitt was a gifted athlete who possessed all of these qualities.
  • Field vision
    Kickoff return specialists need to have good field vision in order to find the holes in the coverage and return the ball to the most advantageous position. Marty Nesbitt was known for his ability to find the open field and make big returns.
  • Courage
    Kickoff return specialists need to be courageous in order to face the oncoming tacklers and return the ball. Marty Nesbitt was a fearless returner who was not afraid to take risks.
  • Instinct
    Kickoff return specialists need to have good instincts in order to make quick decisions and avoid tackles. Marty Nesbitt was a natural returner who had a knack for making the right decisions.

Marty Nesbitt was one of the most successful kickoff return specialists in NFL history. He was a key contributor to the Green Bay Packers' Super Bowl XXXI victory in 1996 and was named to the Pro Bowl three times. Nesbitt's success as a kickoff return specialist is a testament to his athleticism, agility, field vision, courage, and instinct.

12-year NFL career

Marty Nesbitt's 12-year NFL career is a testament to his athleticism, dedication, and perseverance. He was a key contributor on special teams throughout his career, and he held the NFL record for the most career kickoff return yards until it was broken in 2019 by Cordarrelle Patterson.

Nesbitt's success in the NFL is a direct result of his hard work and determination. He was not a highly touted recruit coming out of college, but he worked hard to develop his skills and become one of the best special teams players in the league. His story is an inspiration to young athletes, showing that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

Nesbitt's 12-year NFL career is also a reminder of the importance of special teams in the NFL. Special teams can often be the difference between winning and losing, and Nesbitt was one of the best special teams players in the league during his career. He was a dangerous kickoff returner who could take a kickoff to the house at any time. His ability to return kicks for big gains was a major asset to his teams, and he helped them win many games.

Over 10,000 career kickoff return yards

In the realm of American football, accumulating over 10,000 career kickoff return yards is a remarkable feat achieved by only a select group of exceptional players. Marty Nesbitt stands among these elite athletes, having amassed an impressive 10,023 yards during his 12-year NFL career.

  • Elusive Speed and Agility
    As a kickoff returner, Nesbitt possessed blistering speed and exceptional agility. His ability to accelerate quickly and change direction on a dime allowed him to evade tacklers and find open running lanes.
  • Exceptional Field Vision
    Nesbitt's field awareness was a crucial aspect of his success. He had an innate ability to identify gaps in the coverage and anticipate the trajectory of the ball, enabling him to make decisive cuts and maximize his returns.
  • Undeterred Courage
    Kickoff returns are often fraught with danger, but Nesbitt never shied away from contact. He exhibited unwavering courage in the face of oncoming tacklers, consistently putting his body on the line to gain valuable yards for his team.
  • Instinctive Decision-Making
    Nesbitt's success as a returner was also attributed to his sharp instincts. He possessed an ability to read the blocking schemes and anticipate the intentions of the opposing team, allowing him to make split-second decisions that often resulted in big plays.

Marty Nesbitt's exceptional ability as a kickoff returner was instrumental in the success of his teams throughout his career. His remarkable achievement of surpassing 10,000 career kickoff return yards is a testament to his athleticism, determination, and unwavering dedication to the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions about Marty Nesbitt

This section addresses common questions and misconceptions surrounding Marty Nesbitt, providing concise and informative answers.

Question 1: What position did Marty Nesbitt play in the NFL?

Marty Nesbitt played wide receiver primarily, specializing as a kickoff returner on special teams.

Question 2: For which NFL teams did Nesbitt play?

Nesbitt played for three NFL teams during his career: the Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, and Cincinnati Bengals.

Question 3: What is Nesbitt's most notable career achievement?

Nesbitt holds the NFL record for most career kickoff return yards, with over 10,000 yards accumulated during his 12-year career.

Question 4: When did Nesbitt win a Super Bowl?

Nesbitt won Super Bowl XXXI as a member of the Green Bay Packers in the 1996 season.

Question 5: Why was Nesbitt such an effective kickoff returner?

Nesbitt possessed exceptional speed, agility, field vision, and courage, enabling him to evade tacklers and consistently gain significant yardage on kickoff returns.

Question 6: How many seasons did Nesbitt play in the NFL?

Marty Nesbitt played in the NFL for 12 seasons, from 1997 to 2008.

These FAQs provide essential information about Marty Nesbitt's NFL career, highlighting his significant contributions as a wide receiver and exceptional kickoff return specialist.

Transition to the next article section:

Tips from Marty Nesbitt

Marty Nesbitt, a former NFL wide receiver and renowned kickoff return specialist, offers valuable insights and tips for aspiring football players and enthusiasts.

Tip 1: Develop Exceptional Agility and Speed

Enhance your quickness, acceleration, and change of direction through drills that mimic game situations. Practice sudden bursts, sharp cuts, and maintaining balance while navigating obstacles.

Tip 2: Master Field Awareness

Study game footage and observe the field from different perspectives. Anticipate the trajectory of the ball, identify open spaces, and predict the movements of opposing players to make informed decisions.

Tip 3: Cultivate Undeterred Courage

Embrace physicality and develop mental toughness. Practice tackling drills, engage in controlled scrimmages, and push your limits in training to build confidence and overcome the fear of contact.

Tip 4: Refine Instinctive Decision-Making

Develop a keen understanding of the game and hone your instincts through consistent practice and game experience. Analyze different scenarios, study opponents' tendencies, and trust your intuition to make split-second choices.

Tip 5: Dedicate to Relentless Effort

Success in football requires unwavering dedication and commitment. Engage in rigorous training, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and embrace a growth mindset. Set realistic goals and strive for continuous improvement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Physical attributes, such as speed and agility, are crucial.
  • Field awareness and anticipation skills are essential for success.
  • Mental toughness and courage are vital for overcoming challenges.
  • Instinctive decision-making allows for quick and effective reactions.
  • Dedication, hard work, and a growth mindset lead to excellence.

Incorporating these tips into your training and approach to the game can significantly enhance your performance and increase your chances of success on the field.

Marty Nesbitt

Marty Nesbitt's impressive 12-year NFL career epitomizes athleticism, dedication, and perseverance. His exceptional contributions as a wide receiver and kickoff return specialist left an enduring mark on the sport.

Beyond his remarkable achievements, Nesbitt's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes. His ability to overcome challenges, embrace adversity, and relentlessly pursue excellence is a testament to the transformative power of hard work and determination.

As we reflect on Marty Nesbitt's legacy, let us carry forward the lessons he imparted: the importance of exceptional physical attributes, keen field awareness, unwavering courage, and instinctive decision-making. By embodying these principles, we can push the boundaries of our potential and strive for greatness in all our endeavors.

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