Devin Hester Stats: Atlanta Falcons' Receiver Sets NFL Record for Return Touchdowns

On Thursday night Devin Hester broke Hall of Famer Deion Sanders' NFL-record of 19 return touchdowns with a 62-yard punt return against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Hester high-stepped his way into the end zone as a tribute to Sanders and was flagged for taunting. The punt return was the 20^th return touchdown of Hester's career and is now the new NFL record. His other 19 return touchdowns came during his eight-year career as a member of the Chicago Bears.

As a rookie in 2006, Hester compiled 20% of his career return touchdown total with three punt returns and two kickoff returns for scores. That year, his 47 punt returns for 600 yards and three touchdowns was the best in the NFL. The following year he led the NFL with six total return TDs and four punt returns, but didn't have another touchdown until 2010, during which he led the NFL in punt return yards (564), touchdowns (3) and yards per return (17.1).

In his final three seasons with the Bears, Hester added three punt return TDs and one kickoff return TD to tie Sanders' record. Chicago opted not to re-sign Hester following the 2013 season and the Falcons jumped on the opportunity and inked him to a three-year, $9 million deal. The team has also used him in the offense this year: he had five receptions for 99 yards against the Saints in Week 1 and one reception for 25 yards on Thursday night as well as one carry for 20 yards and a touchdown.

Deion Sanders is one of the anchors for NFL Network, which was broadcasting

Thursday Night Football in addition to CBS. Prior to the game, Sanders sent out a tweet that perhaps foreshadowed Hester's record-breaking night:

Sanders was happy for Hester even though he watched his record fall after his 62-yard punt return.

Tags

Atlanta Falcons, Nfl, Record