Atlanta, GA (SportsNetwork.com) – Atlanta wide receiver Devin Hester passed
Hall of Famer and former Falcons cornerback Deion Sanders for most return
touchdowns in NFL history during Thursday’s game against the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers.
With a 62-yard punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter, Hester broke
a tie with Sanders at 19 career touchdown returns. Hester now has the record
all to himself with 20.
Hester paid tribute to Sanders with an extended high step into the end zone.
Sanders, now a television analyst, was in attendance at the Georgia Dome.
“He was so happy,” said Hester. “He said he almost pulled a hamstring
sprinting toward the end zone with me. I love that guy, man. He was very
emotional as well.”
Earlier in the game, Hester took an end around and went 20 yards for the first
rushing touchdown of his career. A three-time Pro Bowler, Hester signed with
the Falcons in the offseason. He spent the first eight years of his career
with the Chicago Bears.
The Falcons won the game 56-14.
