What it is

A gunner is a fast player on the punting team who lines up wide on the outside and races downfield to tackle the returner.

In a game

Two blockers usually try to stop him at the line. He uses speed and quick moves to beat them, and gets to the returner as the ball arrives.

More detail

Gunners are often backup cornerbacks or receivers, and a great gunner can change field position by downing a punt near the goal line.