Cordarrelle Patterson is the new king of kickoff returns.
In the first half of the Atlanta Falcons game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Patterson broke free on a 103-yard kickoff to score a touchdown. His touchdown set the record for most kick return TD’s of all-time, with nine in total. The Falcons would go on to win 27-24.
A NEW NFL RECORD FOR @ceeflashpee84
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Patterson was tied with former Cleveland Browns star Josh Cribbs and New York Jets’ running back Leon Washington for the most ever before taking Sunday’s kickoff to the house for six.
I believe that Patterson should be inducted into the Hall of Fame one day. Being the standalone leader in kickoff return touchdowns out of everyone who has ever played the game is a legendary achievement. I believe former Bears’ punt return ace Devin Hester deserves to be enshrined into Canton one day as well. Hester hold the record for the most punt return touchdowns with 14, according to Pro Football Reference.
The kickoff is such an integral part of the game. It would be wrong not to recognize the best at returning kicks. Throughout the history of sport, Patterson, in this case, is the best return man ever. (RELATED: Todd Downing Charged With DUI After Big Thursday Night Victory)
We’ll have to wait and see whether Patterson gets inducted into the Hall of Fame one day or not. Either way, it’s certainly a good debate to have.