The NFL has a new leader in kick return touchdowns and he resides in Atlanta.
Making up for a fumble on the Falcons' previous possession that led to a Bears score, Cordarrelle Patterson took the ensuing kickoff from three yards deep in the end zone to the house, becoming the outright leader in kick return touchdowns with nine.
With the score, Patterson surpasses both Josh Cribbs and Leon Washington who each ended their careers with eight. After the record-setting play, Olamide Zaccheaus took the opportunity to crown the new king in the return game.
Patterson sets the record against his former team, but this wasn’t his first time taking one back against the Bears. In fact, the 31-year-old has returned three kicks for touchdowns against Chicago throughout his career with three different teams—Vikings, Patriots and Falcons.
Former Bear and Falcon Devin Hester is far and away the punt return touchdown king with 14 touchdowns.
The Falcons hope that Patterson’s touchdown can spark a comeback as they look to snap a 2-game losing skid.